Nigerian Soldiers Accused of Torturing Civilians and Burning Homes in Niger State

Nigerian soldiers reportedly burned civilian houses in Erena, Niger State, during a military operation aiming to combat banditry, particularly related to notorious bandit Dogo Gide. Accounts from local witnesses detail extensive violence against civilians at a wedding and further destruction in nearby villages, raising concerns of exacerbating the hunger crisis. The local population expresses fears over both bandit and military violence as they suffer numerous losses.

On Friday, reports surfaced regarding Nigerian soldiers burning houses in the Erena region of Niger State, specifically in Chikuba. Initial information suggested that the houses belonged to a notorious bandit named Dogo Gide, known for terrorizing communities in Niger, Kaduna, and Zamfara States; however, locals reported that the structures belonged to innocent civilians who were subsequently brutalized by the soldiers. Dogo Gide’s gang had previously attacked a military aircraft in August 2023.

The military operation reportedly left a trail of devastation in the vicinity, particularly affecting villages like Makera, Kudodo, and Sabon Gida. A video from the aftermath displayed women mourning, while locals and youth leaders expressed concerns that this violence would worsen the existing hunger crisis in the area. Witnesses claimed that within Sabon Gida, at least 20 homes were set ablaze during the invasion.

Accounts from attendees of a wedding ceremony revealed that soldiers disrupted the event, demanding to be directed to the whereabouts of bandits. Those who could not provide information faced severe repercussions. One victim recounted the beating he received, highlighting that even the imam present was tortured during this incident.

Attendees like Ibrahim Shehu suffered greatly from the violence, with reports of fainting due to the assault and others losing teeth as a result of the brutality. The soldiers also caused destruction at the bride’s home, damaging her belongings and advising the locals against paying ransoms to the bandits, instead suggesting they should arm themselves to confront the outlaws.

Following the brutal encounters in Makera, soldiers advanced to Chukuba, prompting villagers to flee upon receiving warnings. Reports indicated that the soldiers indiscriminately opened fire and subsequently torched over 20 houses in Sabon Gida, as well as destroying food supplies like maize and yam. Local leaders highlighted the dire implications for food security as bandits had already been hindering agricultural activities.

Niger State’s residents increasingly find themselves besieged by violence from both bandits and military incursions. This incident is not isolated; historically, communities like Kurebe have endured more harm from military operations meant to combat terrorism than from the terrorists themselves, resulting in civilian casualties.

The Nigerian government has faced scrutiny from both local and international observers for military actions leading to civilian deaths. As part of ongoing complaints to the International Criminal Court regarding alleged atrocities by security forces, there are significant calls for accountability and justice for the victims of such incidents.

The Niger State Director for the International Human Rights Commission indicated that an independent investigation would be conducted in response to the tragedy, possibly leading to potential legal actions. There has yet to be a response from the defense headquarters regarding the events of Friday’s incidents.

The recent military actions in Niger State have raised alarm over the treatment of innocent civilians during operations against banditry. Reports of violence and destruction highlight the harsh repercussions of these encounters for local communities already suffering from ongoing insecurity. As investigations are launched, concerns regarding accountability and humanitarian aid remain pressing amid escalating violence and food insecurity in the region.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com