Based on the figures published by the Nigerian dailies in August, nearly 50 people were kidnapped in Toro, Bauchi State, by nameless gunmen.
To this end, I am perplexed by the deteriorating nature of the ungodly events in the area. Toro is among the largest local governments in Nigeria, having a total land mass of over 6,932 square kilometres of which 60 to 70 per cent of the landmass is a forest. However, bushy mountains also occupied almost 5 per cent approximately.
Notwithstanding, the Lame Burra Forest that lies between Toro and Ningi Local Government Area is another nightmare. The nature of the forest could probably be a hideout for terrorism. The forest was at one time allegedly reported to be a hideout of Boko Haram from around 2018 to 2019.
Similarly, the Jos East Forest, especially the one within the Maigemu axis, is very frightening, as it is a notorious hideout of kidnappers. Still, the forest borders Toro to the east. Therefore, Toro, Ningi and Jos East local governments could presumably be an epicentre of abduction within Bauchi and Plateau states.
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On a different face, the majority of the people living in the said areas are local miners and farmers, this is to say the presence of kidnappers in the area is a threat to our people’s economy. However, when these people are prevented from going to mining and farming, it would by extension be a threat to the entire nation’s security fortunes.
Given the above, we are very worried as there are no security operatives within those areas safeguarding the lives and properties. Even the recent kidnapping in Salarma, Gumau, Fishere and Zalau was perpetrated as a result of zero security operatives in the area.
We are, therefore, calling for urgent government intervention in the area, there is a need for the government to deploy security operatives hence the need is to safeguard the lives and properties of the citizens. However, seek the continued support of the local securities in the said areas as there is no need to fold our hands and wait for government intervention when our people are killed and kidnapped on a daily basis.
Ukasha Rabiu Magama wrote from Magama, Toro, Bauchi State
