Central Primary School set ablaze by Bandits in Dekara, Niger State
By Abdullahi Abubakar
Bandits have reportedly razed a primary school in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite residents paying a ₦10million levy allegedly imposed on them by the attackers in exchange for protection from further violence.
The incident, which has sparked renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Niger State, was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday
According to him, the attackers, believed to have emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park, invaded the community on Wednesday and set the Central Primary School, Dekara, ablaze.
Bakatsine said the affected communities had earlier raised and paid the ₦10million demanded by the armed group after receiving threats of an impending attack.
The payment, residents reportedly believed, would guarantee the safety of the community and prevent further attacks.
However, despite complying with the bandits’ demands, the gunmen reportedly proceeded to destroy the school’s buildings by setting them on fire.
“Bandits have reportedly razed Central Primary School, Dekara community, in Borgu LGA of Niger State, despite community paying a ₦10 million levy imposed on them,” Bakatsine wrote while sharing photographs of the burnt school.
He added that, “The attackers, said to have emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park, stormed the town on Wednesday and set the school ablaze. Residents had raised and paid the money after threats of attack, following assurances they would be spared further violence.”
Commenting on the development, Bakatsine described the incident as another indication of the growing power wielded by criminal groups over rural communities.
“The destruction of the school despite compliance raises troubling questions about the growing influence armed groups wield over vulnerable communities. When criminals impose taxes and still unleash violence, hope becomes the next casualty,” he stated.
