Residents Block Abuja-Kaduna Highway, Protest Against Banditry, Kidnapping

Residents of Gauraka community in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State have blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway to protest the incessant cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the community.

Most protesters who were mainly youths, blocked the highway and roads while they burnt tyres. Vehicular movement on the highway on Monday morning was disrupted for hours.

They demanded that the state and Federal Government boost security in the area and end the incessant attacks.

This comes after kidnappers stormed the area on Saturday and Sunday kidnapping at least fifteen persons from the community and killing three others.

There have been speculations about Boko Haram terrorists infiltrating Gauraka community after Governor Abubakar Bello announced that terrorists have hoisted their flags in some communities in Niger State in April.

Gauraka community is about five kilometres away from Nigeria’s seat of power, Abuja.

Residents lament that they have long lost sleep due to the activities of kidnappers who have continued to terrorise the community.

They explained that more than thirty people have been abducted from January to date.

Niger State has come under serious banditry attacks which have left hundreds of people killed, including security personnel, and more than fifteen thousand people displaced who are now taking shelter in temporary camps provided by the state government.

Photo credit: Channels TV