Soldiers’ killing evidence of state failure – Northern elders

Troops

The Northern Elders Forum has said the brutal killing of over 20 soldiers by terrorists in Niger State is a clear declaration of war against the Nigerian state and strong evidence of a security collapse in the North.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, the forum condemned the attack, describing it as part of an unrelenting campaign of terror engulfing the northern region.

The soldiers were ambushed and killed in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State earlier this week.

NEF warned that the government’s inaction was pushing Nigerians to question its willingness or ability to protect its citizens.

It said, “More than 20 uniformed men, defenders of the nation, were slaughtered like animals by a gang of well-armed terrorists who launched a brazen, coordinated ambush that completely overwhelmed the base.

“This is not just an attack, it is a declaration of war against the Nigerian state, and the state is losing.”

The forum said the massacre showed how terrorist groups operate with near-total impunity. Punch