Based on the figures published by some Nigerian dailies in August, nearly 50 people were kidnapped in Toro, Bauchi state by unknown gunmen.To this end, I am worried by the deteriorating nature of the ungodly events in the area. Toro is one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria. It has a total land mass of over 6932 square kilometres of which 60 to 70% of the land mass is a forest. However, bushy mountains also occupy 5% approximately.Notwithstanding, the Lame Burra forest that lies between Toro and Ningi local government areas is another nightmare. The nature of the forest could probably be a hideout for terrorism. The forest had been reported to be a hideout of Boko Haram in 2018 to 2019. Similarly, the Jos East forest, especially the one within the Maigemu axis, is very frightening, as it is a notorious hideout of kidnappers. Still, the forest borders Toro to the east. Therefore, Toro, Ningi and Jos East local government areas could assumably be an epicentre of abduction within Bauchi and Plateau states.It is noteworthy that majority of the people living in the said areas are local miners and farmers, this is to say the presence of kidnappers in the area is a threat to our people’s economy. However, when these people are prevented from mining and farming, it would by extension be a threat to the entire nation’s security fortunes. Given the above, we are very worried as there are no security operatives within those areas safeguarding the lives and properties of the people. Even the recent kidnapping in Salarma, Gumau, Fishere and Zalau was perpetrated as a result of zero security operatives in the area. Let me conclude by saying Toro, Ningi and Jos East local government areas are vulnerable to insecurity and other deadly activities of these heartless people. The lack of sufficient security personnel in said areas give kidnappers the ability to come and perpetrate their horrible acts at their convenience without fear of being repelled by security men. We are, therefore, calling for urgent government intervention in the area. There is a need for the government to deploy security operatives in order to protect the lives and properties of the citizens. However, we should seek the continued support of the local securities in the said areas as we cannot fold our arms and wait for government’s intervention when our people are being killed and kidnapped on a daily basis.

Ukasha Rabiu Magama,

Magama, Toro, Bauchi state.

Courtesy:BluePrint