Terrorists in control of Kainji National Park
A Niger State lawmaker has raised fresh alarm over the growing security crisis in the state, claiming that terrorists are now in full control of the Kainji National Park. The lawmaker made the disclosure after narrowly escaping an alleged assassination attempt, which he linked to his repeated warnings about criminal activities in the area.
He said armed groups have taken over large parts of the national park and now operate freely without resistance. According to him, the terrorists use the vast forest as a safe base to plan attacks, launch operations on nearby communities, and retreat without being challenged. He described the situation as a major threat to Niger State and the wider North Central region.
The lawmaker revealed that his latest brush with death has further confirmed the level of danger posed by the armed groups. He said he was targeted because of his consistent outspokenness on the activities of terrorists within the park and surrounding areas. He appealed to the federal government to act urgently before the situation gets completely out of hand.
Residents of communities around the park have continued to complain of frequent attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands. Many have been forced to abandon their homes, while farming and trading activities have slowed due to fear and uncertainty.
The lawmaker called for immediate military intervention to reclaim the park and flush out all criminal elements occupying the forest. He stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to allow such a strategic national asset to remain under the control of terrorists.
