Armed bandits have reportedly set fire to a primary school in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite residents allegedly paying a ₦10 million levy demanded by the criminals to prevent further attacks.
The incident, which has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the state, was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday.
According to Bakatsine, the attackers, believed to have operated from the Kainji Lake National Park axis, invaded the community on Wednesday and burnt down the Central Primary School, Dekara.
He said residents had earlier mobilised and paid the money after receiving threats of an impending attack, with the hope that the payment would secure the community from further violence.
However, despite meeting the bandits’ demand, the attackers allegedly returned and destroyed the school facility by setting its buildings ablaze.
“Bandits have reportedly razed Central Primary School, Dekara community, in Borgu LGA of Niger State, despite community paying a ₦10 million levy imposed on them,” Bakatsine wrote while sharing images of the burnt school.
He added that the attack showed the growing influence of criminal groups over vulnerable rural communities, where residents are increasingly forced to pay illegal levies for protection.
“The destruction of the school despite compliance raises troubling questions about the growing influence armed groups wield over vulnerable communities. When criminals impose taxes and still unleash violence, hope becomes the next casualty,” he stated.
The development highlights a growing pattern of bandit groups imposing financial demands on communities across parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions. Residents are often forced to provide money, food, livestock, motorcycles and other supplies under threats of attacks.
Communities that fail to meet such demands have frequently suffered consequences including killings, abductions, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
Security experts have warned that the practice has created a form of illegal taxation system, allowing criminal groups to fund their activities while weakening state authority in affected areas.
Niger State remains one of the areas heavily impacted by insecurity, with several local government areas experiencing repeated attacks on villages, schools, farmers and travellers.
Communities around Borgu Local Government Area, especially those close to the Kainji Lake National Park, have become increasingly vulnerable due to the difficult terrain, which security agencies say provides cover for armed groups operating across Niger and neighbouring states.
The latest attack has renewed fears over the safety of schools in rural communities, as insecurity continues to disrupt education and force many children away from classrooms.
