Emotional Plea to President Tinubu as Terrorists Seize Control
In a desperate appeal that highlights the worsening security situation in northern Nigeria, a federal lawmaker has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately rescue his constituency from what he described as a complete takeover by terrorists. Alhaji Jafaru Mohammad Ali, a member of the House of Representatives, made an emotional plea during a press briefing on Wednesday, reminding the President of the strong political and cultural bonds between the Borgu Emirate and Tinubu, who holds the honorary traditional title "Jagaban of Borgu."
Historical Ties and Current Abandonment
The lawmaker recounted how the Borgu community supported Tinubu's political journey from the beginning. "We supported him. His journey started from Borgu. We won all the polling units for him," Ali stated emotionally. "How will he abandon us? We are suffering. We don't want anything from him—only peace. My people are suffering. If I don't speak, I fear for them."
Ali revealed that the security situation has deteriorated to the point where Nigerian troops deployed to the area remain poorly equipped and are forced to confront well-armed insurgents using outdated tactics. "Soldiers are using open vehicles to face criminals who have taken cover. How will they succeed?" he questioned, highlighting the tactical disadvantage faced by security forces.
Kainji National Park Now Terrorist Headquarters
In a shocking revelation, the lawmaker disclosed that bandits have completely taken control of Kainji National Park, one of Nigeria's major conservation corridors. The terrorists have forced out park rangers, seized administrative buildings, and converted tourist facilities into their operational headquarters.
"Nobody can enter the park anymore," Ali declared, emphasizing the total control exerted by the criminal elements. He further described a wave of killings, mass displacement, and forced compromises by residents, many of whom are pressured to cooperate with the terrorists simply to survive.
The lawmaker presented his motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, citing several recent deadly incidents:
- The November 21, 2025 abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA
- The November 4 ambush on his own convoy
- The November 2 killings at Gidan Guga
Cross-Border Security Threat Emerges
Ali warned that the bandits now use the National Park as a base to launch attacks across Niger, Kebbi, Kwara States, and even neighboring Benin Republic. He noted that many of the attackers are foreign fighters moving through interconnected forest reserves, indicating an international dimension to the security crisis.
The House was urged to take several immediate actions:
- Direct the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy better-armed troops and establish Forward Operating Bases in Lumma, Audu Fari, Agwara, and Mago
- Mandate NEMA and the Refugee Commission to support displaced victims
- Instruct NALDA and the Agriculture Ministry to convert the Kainji Park corridor into a viable agricultural zone once secured
The urgent appeal comes after Ali narrowly escaped death last Tuesday when suspected terrorists ambushed his convoy along the Lumma–Babanna road. One soldier and six others were killed during the gun battle that followed before the lawmaker was evacuated to safety.
The situation represents a critical test for the Tinubu administration's security strategy, particularly given the personal connections between the President and the affected region through the Jagaban Borgu title.
