Niger: Bandits Kill 27, Abduct 40 In Midnight Attack

Suspected gunmen believed to be bandits in the early hours of Tuesday attacked Kanyan and Sabon Gida communities in Kurebe Ward in Niger State, killing 27 residents, and injuring 20 others.

It was also gathered that the bandits also kidnapped no fewer than 40 persons during the attack which happened around 1 am on Tuesday.

A source which spoke with SaharaReporters said, “The Kuta Internally Displaced Persons’ camp is currently filled up with displaced people as a result of the attack on the communities.”

Bandits over the week have attacked various communities in Niger State leading to the death and abduction of numerous residents.

Recall that Boko Haram last Thursday attacked Bassa, Kukoki communities in the Shiroro Local Government Area and kidnapped no fewer than 50 residents.

Residents noted that a yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons were also killed as tension rises in the community.

“Broad daylight attacked Kokki in Gurmana Ward, Magami in Manta Ward and Maguga, Marenje and other adjoining villages using 10 motorcycles, abducted several persons and killed a few others.”

“Bassa is under siege. Terrorists in their large numbers in the early hours of today, Thursday, stormed our town and unleashed mayhem on unsuspecting and defenceless locals.”

“During the deadly invasion, the criminals carried out armed robbery and kidnapping of an uncertain number of people but there is a strong indication that the kidnapped victims are not less than 50 persons.”

“Just a day before yesterday, Palalli in Gurmana Ward of Shiroro local government and Rumache, Masuku and other adjoining villages all in Bassa and Kukoki Ward of the same LGA were attacked and sadly, casualties and losses were recorded,” a source had said.

Another source noted that criminal activities have become the order of the day, hence the need to improve security in the affected communities.

“Last week Tuesday to be precise, many villages were invaded. On this fateful day and in broad daylight, Kokki in Gurmana Ward, Magami in Manta Ward and Maguga, Marenje and other adjoining villages were attacked, motorcycles among other belongings were criminally confiscated from victims. Deaths were also recorded.”

“At the moment, virtually all communities and villages from Lakpma axis of Shiroro LGA have been sacked, while the affected locals continue to live at the mercy of dreaded terrorists. We are hopeless as nefarious activities of criminals have become the order of the day. Therefore we are in dire need of help,” he noted.