Dekkara Attacks: Niger govt says no relief until security forces clear communities

The Niger State Government has stated that humanitarian aid cannot reach affected communities until security forces have cleared the areas, following a series of recent attacks. Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Bello Magaji, made this announcement during a meeting with journalists, mentioning that the government was supplying logistical support to aid security operations.

The attacks occurred on August 21 in Dekkara District of New Bussa Local Government Area, where armed men attacked Massaka, Sabongida and Gidamaza, and reportedly abducted worshippers from a mosque in Penya. Wasiu Abiodun, a spokesperson for the Niger State Police, reported that the attackers surrounded the mosque after Friday prayers and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.

The police, military, Department of State Services and other security agencies have been deployed to rescue the victims and determine the exact number of casualties. Abiodun acknowledged that the challenging terrain complicates the process of determining the accurate victim count, but emphasized that security agencies are working with local residents to gather reliable information.

The Inspector General of Police has authorized additional support, including tactical teams, the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Police Air Wing, to bolster the rescue operation. Meanwhile, a separate incident in Agwara resulted in the death of the Magajin Giri, and an ongoing investigation is underway to identify the perpetrator.

Authorities have intensified their efforts to combat criminal elements in affected areas, and have assured residents that logistical support is being provided to restore peace and protect lives and property across the state.