Four Killed As Bandits Kidnap Chief Imam In Niger State

Bandits Attack Niger State Community

The chief imam of Beni central mosque in Munya local government area of Niger state, Umar Mohammed has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

About twenty other members of the community were also said to have been kidnapped by the bandits numbering over 50 who invaded the community on Wednesday.

The bandits reportedly dispossessed residents of Beni and Kudani communities in Paikoro LGA of their property, including cattle.

Four people also died during the attack in Beni while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Kafin Koro General Hospital.

The abducted Chief Imam was said to be on his way to a naming ceremony when the bandits picked him.

Umar Saraki, district head of Beni, who confirmed the attacks, lamented that the community is under siege and that they are helpless.

“They came three days ago and stole over 200 cows from Fulani Men. This morning, they came again in their numbers. As I speak to you now, they are busy looting shops and moving from house to house and collecting people’s property, ” he said.

“So far, four people have been killed. They shot another boy in the head and we don’t know if he will survive. They are so many in number, I can’t count them and they are all with gun.

“The unfortunate thing is that we informed the security agents about it after the first attack but up till now, nobody came to our rescue.

“What is the essence of security if the people’s lives and property are not safe. This community is under siege at the moment and we are helpless. “

The development has attracted a reaction from Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger State who described the attacks “as sad and unfortunate” in a statement by Mary Berje, his chief press secretary.

The governor believed that “the bandits may have crossed the river from Kaduna to launch attack in Munya”.

He added that “the issue of insecurity is a collective battle which must not be left to the security agencies and government alone.”