Insecurity: Protesters block Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, demand end to kidnapping, banditry

*The protesters petition the Federal Government and Niger State Government to boost security of lives and property, and end incessant attacks on innocent citizens in the area

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Concerned about widespread insecurity of lives and property in the region, residents of Gauraka community in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State have blocked the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway to protest against the incessant cases of kidnapping and banditry.

The protesters burnt tyres and halted free low of vehicular movement on the highway, Channels TV report said.

They demanded that the state and Federal Government boost security of lives and property in the area and end the incessant attacks on innocent citizens.

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

Report indicates that kidnappers stormed the affected area Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 kidnapping at least 15 persons from the community and killing three others.

Likewise, there have been speculations about Boko Haram terrorists’ infiltrating Gauraka community after Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State announced that terrorists have hoisted their flags in some communities in the state April this year.

Gauraka community is about five kilometres away from Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Residents have lamented that they have long lost sleep due to the activities of kidnappers who have continued to terrorise the community in recent times, report stated.

According to them, more than 30 people have been abducted from January till 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.