JUST IN: Tension As Terrorists Set Five Schools Ablaze

Suspected terrorists have reportedly set five primary schools ablaze in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, worsening the humanitarian and education crisis in communities already affected by insecurity…..See More

The development was disclosed by the Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Dekara, Zubairu Salihu, during a press conference in New Bussa organised by the Borgu Kingdom Youth Development Association to highlight the growing security challenges in the area.

Schools closed before being burnt

According to Salihu, armed attackers returned to Dekara earlier this year and forced the closure of all six primary schools in the district before setting five of them on fire last month.

He said the attacks were a continuation of violence that began on May 11, 2021, when gunmen invaded Dekara, abducted the district head and warned residents against Western education.

Salihu noted that Government Day Secondary School, Dekara, has remained closed since the 2021 attack.

Residents appeal for improved security

Salihu said insecurity has prevented many residents, most of whom are farmers, from accessing their farmlands.

He appealed to the government to prioritise security, saying residents could rebuild their lives if they were able to return safely to their communities.

“We are farmers. The only thing we need from the government is security. We can feed ourselves if we are able to access our farms.”

He also expressed concern that continued insecurity could make it difficult to conduct elections in several affected communities.

Youth group describes humanitarian crisis

Speaking at the briefing, President of the Borgu Kingdom Youth Development Association, Abdullahi Yahaya Sadauki, described the situation as a humanitarian emergency.

According to him, more than seven communities have been attacked or destroyed by armed groups in Borgu Local Government Area….See More

He listed the affected communities as:

• Konkoso
• Kasuwan Daji
• Pissa
• Gangale
• Woro
• Tungan Makeri
• Old Gangale
• Boiya
• Bakinba
• Wawa

Sadauki said many residents had fled their homes, while farms, businesses and healthcare services had been severely affected.

He added that schools outside New Bussa have remained closed since January 2026 because of insecurity.

Call for urgent government intervention

The youth leader urged the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to strengthen security across the area.

He also called for:

• Additional Forward Operating Bases in vulnerable communities.
• Improved intelligence gathering.
• Greater support for local vigilante groups.
• Immediate humanitarian assistance for displaced residents.
• The rescue of people still being held captive.

Sadauki further lamented that the only bridge linking New Bussa to several surrounding communities has remained damaged for more than three months, making movement and emergency response more difficult.

He said residents of Borgu deserve the same level of protection and security guaranteed to every Nigerian.