Seven killed as bandits raid Niger villages

By Justina Asishana, Minna

Bandits have been on rampage in Rafi local government area of Niger state with the villages under attack for the past five days.

Over seven people, including five vigilantes have been killed with several others injured.

It was also gathered the villagers have fled the communities for fear of further attacks.

The Nation learnt there have been three bandit attacks in the past five days in the local government with over five communities affected.

Some of the communities affected include: Sabon Gari, Madaka, Kusherki, Jaraka and other surrounding villages on the eastern side of Kagara.

In Gidigori village in Kusherki district on Sunday evening, the bandits spent over two hours exchanging fire with vigilantes.

After the shoot out, two people were killed and several others injured.

Madaka and Sabon Gari bore the brunt of the armed bandits on Sunday evening and Monday morning as they invaded the villages, shooting sporadically and injuring many.

Tired of the incessant attacks of the bandits, men of the local vigilantes, who are the only reliable security presence in the area, decided to counterattack the bandits.

However, sources told The Nation the vigilantes laid an ambush for the bandits who ended up killed over five of them possibly due to a security leak.

After the killing of the vigilantes, the bandits went into the community to loot shops and steal over 100 cattle.

The Information Officer to the Rafi Local Government Chairman, Abubakar Umar, who confirmed the attacks disclosed that all the villages have been deserted as the residents fled their homes.

A source told The Nation that some of the villagers are being housed in Tegina following their flight from their homes.

Umar, who spoke on a phone interview with our correspondent, said that the local government council has mobilised vigilantes to defend them, calling on the security agencies to come to their rescue.

“Most of these people are farmers and with the rainy season and Ramadan approaching, it will not augur well if they continue to stay outside their homes. It will spell doom for the economic situation of the country and affect food sufficiency,” he warnd.

When contacted the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Inga, said the government has deployed additional security operatives to the areas, saying security agents are on top of the situation.

The Chairman of the Rafi local government, Alhaji Ismaila Musa Modibo, also confirmed the attack lamenting that the situation was getting worse daily.

He said that for the past five days, the people have not slept as they are currently at the mercy of bandits