Approximately eight communities located in Niger state’s Shriroro local government area have reportedly submitted themselves to the leadership of the notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide. These communities have chosen to pledge their loyalty and allegiance to his group. This development comes just two weeks after Dogo Gide’s bandit group claimed responsibility for shooting down a military helicopter engaged in an evacuation mission in Kusasu Village within the same local government area.
The communities that are said to have aligned with Dogo Gide and his group include Kusasu, Kwaki, Chukuba, Gulana, Apai, Nakuna, Yanka, and Kurebe. Dogo Gide has operated with impunity in these areas for several years. Over 1,000 residents from these communities reportedly offered food contributions to celebrate the helicopter’s downing, signifying their support for the bandit leader. They now refer to him as “Governor.”
This shift in loyalty towards Dogo Gide is driven by the perception that the Nigerian authorities have not taken decisive action against the bandits despite their lethal activities. With no significant intervention from the government, the communities feel compelled to align with the group to ensure some semblance of peace, stability, and protection for their livelihoods, such as farming.
The communities’ disillusionment with their leaders has led them to turn to Dogo Gide as their de facto leader. Some members of the communities have volunteered to act as intermediaries between the people and Dogo Gide’s group, facilitating communication and fostering a harmonious relationship.
In an intriguing development, both Dogo Gide’s bandit group and members of the Boko Haram sect have reportedly negotiated territories within which to operate to prevent further clashes between them. This arrangement follows a bloody clash between the two groups earlier in the year. The new territorial divisions indicate that Boko Haram will now operate in the Hudawa and Kurebe communities, while Dogo Gide’s group will control areas between Kurebe and Iburo.
