Residents in affected communities in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State have been unable to reach their farms for fear of suspected bandit attacks, BusinessDay reported, as women and children protested for stronger protection.
Repeated attacks have emptied several communities, sending residents to nearby towns for safety, the outlet reported. Fear of further violence has also kept people from harvesting, disrupting farming.
BusinessDay said residents from at least 11 communities joined the Sunday evening demonstration. They gathered at the traditional rulers' palace before walking through Rijau town. BusinessDay named Shambo, Warari, Inana, Bunu, Darangi and Shaboyu among the affected communities.
The protesters called on federal, state and local governments, along with security agencies, to strengthen protection for residents and property, the report said. They want displaced people to be able to return home, resume farming and restart other legitimate economic activities. BusinessDay said authorities had not responded by the time it filed its report.
