The Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Dekara, in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Zubairu Salihu, has recounted how terrorists forced the closure of schools in his community after issuing warnings against Western education.

Salihu made this known during a press conference held in New Bussa, the headquarters of Borgu LGA, over the weekend. The briefing was organised by the Borgu Kingdom Youth Development Association to address the rising cases of attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of property in the area.

According to the principal, the ordeal began on May 11, 2021, when armed bandits invaded Dekara at night, abducted the District Head, and warned residents to shut down all schools.

“Since 2021, we have lost our education. I was the Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Dekara. On that night, the bandits invaded and took away the District Head. They warned us against Western education, and since then, the school has remained closed,” he said.

He added that the situation has worsened in recent times, with renewed attacks targeting primary schools in the district.

“This year again, they returned and forced the closure of the six primary schools in Dekara district. Just last month, five of those schools were burnt down,” Salihu revealed.

Describing the plight of residents, he noted that farming, the main source of livelihood, has also been severely affected due to insecurity.

“We are farmers. The only thing we need from the government is security. If we can access our farms, we can feed ourselves. We have lost several communities, and I don’t think elections can even hold in most of these areas,” he added.

Also speaking, the Youth President of Borgu Kingdom, Abdullahi Yahaya Sadauki, described the situation as a humanitarian emergency, revealing that more than seven communities have been completely destroyed by terrorists.

According to him, affected communities include Konkoso, Kasuwan Daji, Pissa, Gangale, Woro, Tungan Makeri, Old Gangale, Boiya, Bakinba, and Wawa.

“Families have been displaced, farmlands abandoned, livestock rustled, and businesses destroyed. Healthcare services have collapsed, leaving many residents without any means of livelihood,” he said.

Sadauki further lamented the impact on children’s education, noting that schools outside New Bussa have remained shut since January 2026 due to persistent insecurity.

“Children are paying the price. Education has been disrupted, and healthcare services in many communities have completely broken down,” he added.

He also raised concerns over the destruction of a critical bridge linking New Bussa to surrounding communities, which has remained unrepaired for over three months, worsening access and emergency response.

The youth leader called on both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to urgently address the crisis. He advocated the establishment of additional forward operating bases, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger support for local vigilante groups.

He also urged authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity.

“The people of Borgu deserve the same protection and security guaranteed to every Nigerian,” he said.