Bandits Burn Niger School After Collecting ₦10 Million Levy

Bandits have reportedly set fire to Central Primary School in Dekara town, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite allegedly collecting a ₦10 million levy from communities in the area.

Residents who spoke with Daily Trust said the attackers invaded the community on Wednesday after emerging from the Kainji Lake National Park.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said villages in Dekara District had recently raised and paid the money after the bandits threatened to attack them.

“The bandits imposed a ₦10 million levy on communities in the district. The money was paid because they threatened to attack us if we failed to comply.

“But despite receiving the money, they still attacked the district headquarters and burnt down the primary school,” the resident said.

In a related development, bandits reportedly attacked Dnakau, Lanta and Unguwan Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Residents said one person was killed while another was abducted during the attacks.

The abducted victim was identified as Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo, while Emma from the Bagna community was reportedly shot during the raid.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani, has said that armed bandits responsible for killings and kidnappings across parts of Nigeria should not be given another chance to live.

He made the statement on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

According to him, the activities of bandits in many communities have led to loss of lives and the abduction of innocent people, including women and children.

The governor described those involved in such violent acts as terrorists, saying they have repeatedly caused harm and destruction in different areas.