Residents of 65 communities in Niger State have resorted to negotiating and signing a peace deal with Boko Haram to avoid future raids by the insurgents, according to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) in an exclusive report.
This development came a few days after the terror group displaced over 5,000 villagers from their ancestral homes in Shiroro and Munya local councils.
Abubakar Bello, the Governor of Niger had admitted that Boko Haram had hoisted its flag after taking over many communities in the state. Although Muhammad Yerima, the Nigerian Army spokesman, said he was unaware of Boko Haram’s incursion into Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson in the state, said he could not dispute Governor Bello’s claim about the influx of the terrorist group into the state.
“The executive governor is the chief security officer of the state. Are you expecting the police to dispute or go against the pronouncement of the executive governor?” Abiodun asked a CNN reporter.
However, FIJ has gathered that communities in Gurmana, Manta, Bassa and Kukoki districts in Shiroro area of the state have negotiated with the terrorists for a peace deal after reaching an agreement to pay certain amounts of money in each community.
The communities have also purchased at least six Honda motorcycles worth N500,000 for the terrorists, to pacify them.
“This is what most of the communities are resorting to. By my records now, communities that have signed the peace deal with the terrorists are more than 40,” said Yusuf Sani, the co-convener of Concerned Shiroro Youth, while confirming the incidents to FIJ.
“While some communities have already sealed up deals for ceasefire with the terrorists and are currently reaping the benefits, others are on the verge of finalising theirs.
“The affected victims have been forced to find solutions for themselves within since the much-anticipated intervention from the government is not forthcoming.”
Sani also said the communities have paid not less than N20 million to sign the peace deal with the terrorists. He added that although the negotiation was oral, more communities are planning to enroll for the peace deal.
Mary Joel Merje, the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State government, did not answer multiple calls from FIJ. She also did not respond to our request for comments on the issue.
See the list of the villages below:
(1) BASSA/KUKOKI WARD
Wongo
Kukoki
Masuku
Zangoro
Gungu
Rumache Madalla
Rumache Gari
Maguga
Marenje
Malawai
Madagwa
Kadaga
Hana Wanka
Durumi
Farar Kasa
(2) GURMANA WARD
Gurmana
Kokki Makaranta
Kokki Magami
Shekadna
Karibo
Rango
Sarkin Zama
Bakin Kogi (Lagbe)
Maganda
Jabukin Sama
Jabukin Kasa
Guto
Gwaja
Sundna
Fiyi
Unguwan Turakin Kokki
Kuchiwi
Tsohon Gari
Kokki Bodo
Palalli
Gbakoita
Kampani
Yelwa
Ajata Aboki
Birke
Jankasa
Kasumi
Kuyami
Siyiko
(3) MANTA WARD
Manta
Jiko
Gungu
Magami
Gaviya
Sabon Gida
Jankasa
Farin Hula
Taidna
Beri Kago
Beri
Gatawi
Kini
Bmada
Bagudu
Guto
Sunko
Gbagawi
Marafa
Gudumi
Gbaga