Residents in a Niger State community are fleeing their homes after soldiers stationed there abruptly withdrew on Thursday. This follows a recent deadly ambush on a military patrol that left casualties among the troops.
The deadly ambush on Tuesday evening targeted a convoy of military vehicles traveling near the town of Allawa in southwestern Niger. Insurgents believed to be affiliated with a local militant group, launched a coordinated attack using small arms fire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), resulting in casualties among the military personnel.
Locals, speaking to Daily Trust, described waking up Thursday morning to find soldiers dismantling their tents and preparing to leave. The Allawa community, recently targeted by unidentified armed groups, had found some solace in the recently-built military ecampment.
The decision of the troops to pull back has left residents feeling vulnerable and exposed to further attacks. TVC News reports seeing families hastily pack their belongings and leave the town deserted, seeking refuge in neighboring communities perceived to be safer.
“Many people left their homes as early as 4:00 a.m. before early morning prayers,” said one resident. “We cannot wait to be killed by these heartless bandits and Boko Haram.”
Military authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding the troop movement or the security situation in the affected community.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
