By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Murtala Haliru Dantoro, son of the late Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro (Kitoro III), has appealed to relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to stem the worsening insecurity in Borgu Kingdom, Niger State.

In a strongly worded press statement, Dantoro called for urgent military deployment and sustained security measures to save the emirate from what he described as relentless attacks by armed bandits.

He disclosed that more than 42 people have been killed, with recent attacks reported in Wawa (Gbere) and surrounding communities in Borgu Local Government Area. According to him, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving residents living in fear, while economic activities and social life have been severely disrupted.

“Communities are under siege. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands, businesses have collapsed, and transporters now refuse to ply routes linking Babanna and other border towns,” he said.

Dantoro noted that Babanna, which shares a border with the Republic of Benin, has been virtually cut off economically, as traders and truck drivers avoid the area due to escalating insecurity.

He lamented that development programmes and public investments have failed to reach the grassroots communities most affected by violence and displacement.

“With insecurity unchecked, how will Borgu develop? The land is blessed with agriculture, mineral resources, and tourism potential, yet insecurity has rendered these advantages meaningless,” he stated.

The son of the late monarch warned that continued bloodshed threatens the survival of the Borgu Kingdom and erodes public confidence in governance and security institutions.

“When an entire kingdom bleeds without protection, history will judge the silence and inaction of those entrusted with safeguarding lives and property,” he said.

The statement outlined a 10-point security roadmap, including the immediate deployment of a special military task force; establishment of permanent military bases in New Bussa, Babanna, Dugga, and Wawa; reinforcement of border security along the Benin and Niger Republic frontiers; training and equipping of local vigilante groups; improved intelligence coordination involving community leaders and hunters; rehabilitation of roads and clearing of ambush-prone routes; 24-hour joint military and police patrols; centralised security oversight with regular performance reviews; removal of ineffective security commanders; and sustained military presence for a minimum of five years.

He also demanded the appointment of a Special Security Adviser dedicated solely to Borgu Kingdom and called for an on-the-spot assessment visit by top security leadership to evaluate the situation firsthand.

Beyond government authorities, Dantoro appealed to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other regional stakeholders to intervene, citing their mandate to promote peace and stability across Northern Nigeria.

“The chaos and killings are getting out of hand. This is no longer a local issue; it is a regional and national concern,” he said.

He urged that emergency security measures be initiated immediately, followed by full implementation of the proposed roadmap within a defined and transparent timeframe, with sustained presence and periodic reviews.

Dantoro concluded with an emotional appeal dedicated to the memory of his late father.

“A mighty elephant has fallen, and the entire forest is distraught. Protect his people. Defend his legacy. Borgu Kingdom is bleeding.”