Kuduro community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State is under severe distress as armed bandits have imposed a total restriction on movement within the area, forbidding residents from accessing their only nearby market, the Saturday market in Zumba. The bandits have warned that anyone who violates this order risks being killed.
The bandits’ move is reportedly a response to ongoing security operations by government forces in the market. Security agents have been arresting community members suspected of owning stolen cattle during the market days. The community says the bandits issued the ban to pressure security forces to stop arresting people and confiscating their animals.
A source close to Zumba market, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, revealed that security officials arrest anyone found with cattle in the market. Owners are detained and forced to pay between N100,000 and N200,000 for bail, while their animals are seized. This harsh treatment has created fear and frustration among residents.
“This happens every market day. Even if the animal is not reported stolen, security agents accuse owners of theft, arrest them, and demand heavy bail to release them. Our people are suffering,” the source said.
Though some of the cattle may indeed be stolen, the community insists that not every animal is stolen. They argue that arresting all owners and demanding large sums of money is unjust and has worsened their situation.
The bandits’ ban on market attendance has crippled Kuduro’s economy, as the Saturday market is the main source of trade and income for the people. The bandits have suggested the residents switch to Kwakwada market in Kaduna State, about 50 kilometres away on foot, since no vehicle can reach the community due to poor roads and security threats. However, the residents have rejected this alternative because of the distance and difficulty involved.
The contentious Saturday market in Zumba is just a 30-minute boat ride across River Shiroro from Kuduro, making it far more accessible and vital to the community.
The District Head of Kuduro, Mr. Auta Doma, confirmed the bandits’ restriction and described the situation as being “between the devil and the deep blue sea.” He explained that for two months now, residents have been barred from the market by the bandits’ orders.
“The bandits say they will not allow anyone to attend the market until security agents stop arresting people and their animals. We have no power to stop the arrests or negotiate with the bandits. Our economic life is at a standstill,” he lamented.
Asked whether the bandits provide cattle for the villagers to sell and then collect the proceeds, Mr. Doma said, “I cannot say for sure. But if the bandits give you cattle to sell and ask for the money, what choice do you have? We live at their mercy. We must obey, even if it’s hard.”
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Retired Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, neither confirmed nor denied the ban but acknowledged the government’s awareness of the security problems in Niger State.
He said, “Bandits imposing levies or restrictions on communities is not new. We are working hard to restore peace. As a responsible government, we will ensure that people live with some relative safety.”
The situation in Kuduro reflects the broader insecurity challenges facing Niger State and other parts of Nigeria. Bandits using fear and violence to control communities is causing severe hardship, especially for rural people dependent on farming and trade for their survival.
Residents of Kuduro are appealing to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and security agencies to intervene urgently and restore their freedom to trade and move safely. Without government action, their economic struggles are likely to worsen, pushing the community deeper into poverty and despair.
1. **Bandits Shut Down Market, Bar Kuduro Community Residents**
2. **Kuduro Residents Send SOS Over Bandit-Imposed Market Ban**
3. **Bandits’ Market Ban Deepens Economic Woes in Niger Community**
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### Newspaper Story
**Bandits Bar Kuduro Community from Market, Residents Cry for Help**
Kuduro community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State is under severe distress as armed bandits have imposed a total restriction on movement within the area, forbidding residents from accessing their only nearby market, the Saturday market in Zumba. The bandits have warned that anyone who violates this order risks being killed.
The bandits’ move is reportedly a response to ongoing security operations by government forces in the market. Security agents have been arresting community members suspected of owning stolen cattle during the market days. The community says the bandits issued the ban to pressure security forces to stop arresting people and confiscating their animals.
A source close to Zumba market, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, revealed that security officials arrest anyone found with cattle in the market. Owners are detained and forced to pay between N100,000 and N200,000 for bail, while their animals are seized. This harsh treatment has created fear and frustration among residents.
“This happens every market day. Even if the animal is not reported stolen, security agents accuse owners of theft, arrest them, and demand heavy bail to release them. Our people are suffering,” the source said.
Though some of the cattle may indeed be stolen, the community insists that not every animal is stolen. They argue that arresting all owners and demanding large sums of money is unjust and has worsened their situation.
The bandits’ ban on market attendance has crippled Kuduro’s economy, as the Saturday market is the main source of trade and income for the people. The bandits have suggested the residents switch to Kwakwada market in Kaduna State, about 50 kilometres away on foot, since no vehicle can reach the community due to poor roads and security threats. However, the residents have rejected this alternative because of the distance and difficulty involved.
The contentious Saturday market in Zumba is just a 30-minute boat ride across River Shiroro from Kuduro, making it far more accessible and vital to the community.
The District Head of Kuduro, Mr. Auta Doma, confirmed the bandits’ restriction and described the situation as being “between the devil and the deep blue sea.” He explained that for two months now, residents have been barred from the market by the bandits’ orders.
“The bandits say they will not allow anyone to attend the market until security agents stop arresting people and their animals. We have no power to stop the arrests or negotiate with the bandits. Our economic life is at a standstill,” he lamented.
Asked whether the bandits provide cattle for the villagers to sell and then collect the proceeds, Mr. Doma said, “I cannot say for sure. But if the bandits give you cattle to sell and ask for the money, what choice do you have? We live at their mercy. We must obey, even if it’s hard.”
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Retired Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, neither confirmed nor denied the ban but acknowledged the government’s awareness of the security problems in Niger State.
He said, “Bandits imposing levies or restrictions on communities is not new. We are working hard to restore peace. As a responsible government, we will ensure that people live with some relative safety.”
The situation in Kuduro reflects the broader insecurity challenges facing Niger State and other parts of Nigeria. Bandits using fear and violence to control communities is causing severe hardship, especially for rural people dependent on farming and trade for their survival.
Residents of Kuduro are appealing to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and security agencies to intervene urgently and restore their freedom to trade and move safely. Without government action, their economic struggles are likely to worsen, pushing the community deeper into poverty and despair.
A strong security presence has taken over the National Assembly complex as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to address a joint session of the National Assembly today, June 12, at 10 a.m. The event is part of the nation’s Democracy Day celebrations.
Security officers from several agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and Sergeant at Arms, have been deployed to key points inside and around the National Assembly complex. Access to the area has been tightly controlled, with only lawmakers and authorized personnel allowed entry. Vehicle movement has also been limited to maintain order and safety.
Democracy Day is celebrated every year to mark the return of democratic rule in Nigeria after years of military governance. The event serves as a reminder of the country’s commitment to democratic values and good governance.
At today’s joint session, President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national address. He will likely highlight the achievements of his administration so far and share his plans for Nigeria’s future development. The speech is highly anticipated as it will set the tone for the next phase of his government.
Top government officials, lawmakers, and other important guests have started arriving at the National Assembly complex. Everyone is entering under strict security checks to ensure a safe and peaceful event.
This heavy security arrangement shows the importance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s democratic institutions. It also reflects the current security challenges Nigeria faces, making such events critical in maintaining order.
The joint session today is one of several activities planned across Nigeria to celebrate Democracy Day. It is a day when Nigerians reflect on their democratic progress and renew their hope for a better future under civilian rule.
As the country marks this important milestone, all eyes are on President Tinubu’s address, which is expected to inspire confidence and unity among Nigerians.
