Niger Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello on Monday disclosed that Boko Haram insurgents have taken over 50  territories and hoisted their flags.

He disclosed that the affected communities are in Munya and Shiroro Loca Government Areas.

Bello made the statement when he visited Internally Displaced Peoples camp at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Primary School in Minna.

The Sun reported that no fewer than 50 communities across the two local government areas have fallen under the Boko Haram control with about 3,000 villagers displaced in the last three days.

Reports also say that the three military camps in Allawa, Bassa and Zagzaga in the two local governments have been overrun by the Insurgents a month before the incursion.

“I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements around Kaure in Shiroro local government. They have taken over the territory. They have equally installed their flag. I am confirming to you now that they have taken over the wives of people by force,” he said.

The governor who described the situation as “critical and pathetic” admitted that over 3,000 villagers from the communities have fled to Minna on Sunday night while several others took refuge in IDP camps in Gwada and other places.

 

“Majority of the displaced persons will have to remain in this camp in Minna because their villages have been taken over by Boko Haram terrorists/ bandits. Their wives have been seized from them and forcefully attached to Boko Haram elements,” he said.

According to him, the insurgents were trying to make Kaure their home and headquarters as they did with Sambisa forest.

Bello stressed that the danger in such situation is that while Sambisa forest is several kilometres away from Abuja, Kaure is only two hours drive to Abuja.

He expressed concerns that the present foray could expose the federal capital territory if the situation is not brought under control.

“I have been engaging the Federal Government and unfortunately it has got to this stage and if care is not taken even Abuja is not safe. We have been saying this for long and all efforts have been in vain,” he warned.