Bandits Fleeing Zamfara Kill Five Farmers, Abduct 18 In Niger

Suspected bandits have killed 5 farmers, kidnapped 18 folks and burnt homes and outlets in separate assaults on communities in Niger State, forcing residents to flee their properties amid fears of additional violence.

The assaults occurred between October 9 and 12 in Fanga neighborhood in Mashegu Local Government Area and Kigbere and Kokani communities in Borgu Local Government Area.

The newest incident was reported in Fanga on Monday after residents allegedly failed to satisfy the attackers’ demand for tens of millions of naira in levies.

A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust on situation of anonymity, mentioned the gunmen invaded the neighborhood within the afternoon, setting homes and outlets ablaze, killing 5 folks and abducting 18 others, together with girls and younger kids.

“They set one of our trucks ablaze, broke into many shops and stole food items. They also abducted 18 people, including women and young children. Fanga has been completely deserted,” the resident mentioned.

He mentioned the attackers had imposed levies on the neighborhood 5 occasions however continued to launch assaults regardless of earlier funds.

“Even after we have paid, they still come to attack us. This time, we have not been able to pay what they demanded, and they have insisted that if we want peace, we should raise the money and pay,” he added.

The resident mentioned persistent insecurity had disrupted schooling and farming, with kids unable to attend faculty and residents afraid to entry their farmlands.

“We need government intervention,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, residents of Rukukuje neighborhood in Rijau Local Government Area fled their properties on Monday following reviews of suspected bandits transferring into the world from neighbouring Zamfara State.

Daily Trust reported that among the displaced households sought refuge in Rijau, the native authorities headquarters, whereas others crossed into Zamfara State.

Another resident mentioned farmers fled after armed males have been sighted advancing in the direction of their neighborhood by means of a forest in Zamfara.

A video circulating on social media confirmed girls, kids and aged folks wading by means of a river in the direction of Shambo looking for security.

Some carried meals and private belongings, whereas others pushed their bikes by means of the water as they escaped the reported menace.

The reported motion of the armed males triggered panic, forcing households to desert their properties over fears of an imminent assault.

The Rijau axis of Niger State has confronted rising safety issues, with suspected bandits working throughout the border from Zamfara, the place armed teams have carried out repeated assaults on rural communities.

The violence has disrupted farming and compelled residents to flee, regardless of safety operations aimed toward flushing out the armed teams.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, didn’t reply to a message looking for touch upon the assaults.