From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Residents of some troubled communities in Chikun, Igabi and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, have hailed the Nigerian Army over the reported killing of a notorious bandit kingpin, Isyaku Boderi.
This commendation came just as Governor Uba Sani, has assured of continuous support for the security forces.
It was gathered that the infamous bandit kingpin Boderi Isyaku was killed by troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army around Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs in Kaduna state on Wednesday.
Also, it was revealed that military troops had ambushed and neutralized Boderi and his associates, after a fierce gun battle.
Recall that late Boderi, who was said to have masterminded several high-profile attacks including the kidnap of Yauri school girls, Greenfield University, and breach of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), had allegedly abducted and killed many villagers and prevented their access to their farms.
However, the community members who said they now feel a sense of relief, as they will now be able to sleep with both eyes closed and return to their farms, urged the security forces to go after Boderi’s foot soldiers, who are already demoralized.
Some of the villagers along the Buruku, Birnin Gwari axis who spoke to journalists on Friday expressed happiness that, Boderi’s long reign of terror is now over.
Also, the state Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who spoke through the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for eliminating the notorious bandit kingpin who had been a source of terror for years.
He said: “We are very happy with the recent victory of the military. For over eight years, we have been trailing that bandit element called Boderi. He has caused our state so much, he killed so many citizens, and so many cases of abductions. So many communities suffered so much as a result of his terrorist activities.
“So, we are grateful to the military, particularly the Nigerian Army who brought his reign to an end. We are happy and this is a clear message that whoever is doing anything against the national security and the safety of our citizens, no matter how long, the long arm of the law will catch up with them. For years, Boderi caused a lot of havoc, but as you can see, at the end of the day, we got him.
“The Government of Kaduna State under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani, has been supporting the security agencies that are carrying out internal operations across the state. We are also mobilizing our citizens to provide intelligence to the security agencies operating in the various locations within the state.
“We are assuring that the government of Kaduna State under the able leadership of Senator Uba Sani, will continue to support the security forces operating in Kaduna state. This is the position of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani.”
However, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro during an operational tour of his area of responsibility commended troops for their bravery and professionalism while urging them to do more.
