By Christiana Ekpa
The lawmaker representing Agwara/Rijau Federal Constituency of Niger State, Hon. Jafaru Ahmed Ali, has issued a desperate Save Our Souls (SOS) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s security chiefs, warning that his constituency is “on the brink of total collapse” as terrorists tighten their grip on communities.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday—just three weeks after he narrowly escaped a deadly ambush—the shaken lawmaker said he could no longer remain silent while his people “bleed daily.”
“Forgive me, this is the only opportunity I have to express myself,” he said. “My constituency is getting out of hand. Politics is about communication and I must speak so that action can be taken to protect lives and property.”
“There’s no way you can solve my constituency’s problem without hearing directly from me,” he stressed. “I represent the young children kidnapped from St. Mary’s School. I know how barbaric these militants are.”
‘I Was Attacked, But I Will Not Be Silent’
Recounting the attack that nearly claimed his life during a condolence visit in Agwara Local Government Area, Ali said he survived only because of the swift response from operatives of the DSS, the military and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“Simply because I was attacked does not mean I will be afraid,” he said. “As a practicing Muslim, I know my responsibility. I must speak for my people.”
Since that attack, Ali revealed that “many more have been killed,” adding that the security situation keeps worsening because the region borders the Benin Republic.
“Kainji National Park Is 100% Controlled by Bandits”
In one of his most alarming revelations, the federal lawmaker declared that terrorists have completely seized Kainji National Park.
“The entire National Park is now 100% under the control of bandits — not 50%, not 70%, but 100%,” he said. “They chased out the rangers. Even one of the best hotels inside the park is now occupied by them.”
He said the criminals have established permanent settlements inside the park, raising a generation of children “who know nothing but guns.”
“If these boys come out tomorrow, Nigeria will be in trouble,” he warned.
With little to no government presence, he said communities have been forced to negotiate with terrorists to stay alive.
“Those who compromise can farm and rear animals. Those who refuse are being killed,” he said.
Ali recalled how a Fulani clan head, Outo Direto, was hunted down and murdered in broad daylight because he refused to cooperate with the bandits.
Bandits Now Hired to Settle Family Feuds
The lawmaker described a frightening trend where rival families now hire bandits to settle personal disputes.
“If two families have a quarrel, they go into the forest to hire these people. They come out and wipe the entire family. This has happened more than once.”
He listed several recent attacks, including the killing of a village head, Tunga Bunu, and the slaughter of an entire family belonging to a man known as Buga.
“These are not rumours. They are happening every week,” he said.
“Mr. President, Please Intervene”
Getting emotional toward the end of his briefing, Ali appealed directly to President Tinubu, whom he described as “a father to our people.”
“Mr. President is our own. He is the Jagaban of our kingdom. We supported him from day one. All we want now is peace,” he said.
“Mr. President, please intervene. If care is not taken, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
Ali thanked the Speaker of the House for creating platforms for lawmakers to discuss security concerns but insisted it was far from enough.
