In a deeply concerning development, Alhaji Dogo Jede, the leader of a notorious bandit gang, has reportedly married a 16-year-old Christian Gbagy girl in Aglunma village, situated in the Kwusasu District of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State. The marriage, which occurred on Tuesday, took place under heavy security, with the bandits exercising control over strategic locations within the village.
The event has sent shockwaves through the community and raised further alarm about the grip of these criminal groups in the region. It is reported that the bandit leader, Dogo Jede, has established a firm hold over several communities within the Shiroro local government area, including Kwusasu, Chukuba, Nasa, Wurukuchi, and parts of Iburo. He operates with impunity, attending local markets and prayers under the protection of his gang.
While villagers are said to possess knowledge about the activities and whereabouts of the bandit leader and his gang, fear has silenced them from revealing this information, as the repercussions could be dire for them and their families. It appears that Dogo Jede has managed to establish an unsettling alliance with the local communities, compelling them to provide resources and support in exchange for some semblance of security.
This incident highlights the deeply concerning reality of the presence and influence of criminal groups in certain regions, where they exploit local communities and establish a grip of fear that prevents any form of resistance or cooperation with law enforcement. The reported hoisting of the Boko Haram flag in Angwar Madaki, coupled with the bandits’ control over various territories, underscores the urgent need for robust and coordinated efforts to counter these threats.
Local authorities have confirmed that these criminal elements have not only instilled fear but also created a complex web of dependency and coercion, making it imperative for comprehensive strategies to dismantle their networks and ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.
