Tragedy strikes Niger communities as bandits launch an attack, leaving 10 farmers dead and multiple individuals, including foreign nationals, kidnapped. Read more on the escalating violence and community impact.
At least ten farmers, including women, from the Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, were reportedly killed by bandits during a violent early morning assault on Tuesday.
Local residents reported that six of the deceased were beheaded, with the assailants taking their heads away.
The incident has left the community in a state of shock, with survivors suffering from gunshot wounds currently receiving medical attention at a clinic in Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi LGA.
Additionally, reports indicate that several individuals were abducted during the attack, which occurred around 5 a.m. while villagers were engaged in early morning prayers.
Bala Tukur, a local resident, disclosed that individuals from Wayam, Belu-Belu, Madaka, and surrounding areas have sought refuge in Kagara for their safety.
“In Wayam village, close to Madaka under Kagara town, they ruthlessly killed ten people and injured many others. The manner in which they executed this attack is deeply traumatic, I assure you. Everyone has fled.
“Many residents have been unable to harvest even 50 percent of their crops, including maize that was ready for collection, and retrieving those crops now poses a significant challenge.
“Recently, the inhabitants of Kukoki were compelled to pay N1.5 million to be permitted to harvest their crops. They complied, yet bandits returned to assault them just four days ago,” he stated.
Locals have noted that bandits have intensified their attacks over the past week as farmers from Wushishi, Rafi, Shiroro, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs of the state commenced the harvesting of their agricultural produce.
On Friday, reports emerged indicating that bandits had invaded the historic town of Zungeru, located in the Wushishi Local Government Area. They moved systematically from one residence to another, including a hotel, abducting the occupants.
A local resident recounted that the incursion into Zungeru occurred around midnight on Saturday, during which Saidu Yakubu, also known as Abacha, an employee of Sino-Hydro, and his wife were taken captive.
He stated, “At approximately 12 a.m. on Saturday, bandits stormed Zungeru town. Their initial target was a residence in Unguwan-Madaki, close to Gidan-Kwai, belonging to a former employee of Sino-Hydro Company. They attempted to break into the owner’s apartment but were unsuccessful due to the robust nature of the doors.
READ ALSO: Troops Eliminate Bandits Trying to Collect N1.5 Million Ransom in Kaduna
“Consequently, they proceeded to the mother’s apartment within the same building, where they managed to force the door open. They abducted the mother and the younger brother of the house owner.
“During the ordeal, the mother pleaded with the assailants, explaining that the boy they had taken was unwell and that they were merely waiting for dawn to take him to the hospital. Fortunately, they released them on their way.
“After their release, the bandits traversed a graveyard and targeted another residence belonging to Saidu Yakubu, known as Abacha, where they kidnapped him and his wife. They then proceeded to the Diamond Guest House on the Wushishi-Zungeru road but did not abduct anyone there.
“Since the previous Tuesday, bandit activity has escalated along the Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora road. Our security forces have been engaged in confrontations with them, resulting in the deaths of eight vigilantes. However, I have learned that security operatives managed to intercept them near Pandogari, and as that is their only escape route, they are currently hiding in a rocky area with the cattle they had stolen.”
He further noted that the day prior to the invasion of Zungeru, a commercial driver was shot dead near Kundu village on the Zungeru-Tegina road, while one passenger sustained injuries and several others were abducted.
On November 2, 2024, it was reported that two Indian nationals were abducted from a rice farm located in Swashi, Borgu LGA.
A local resident, who wished to remain unnamed, indicated that one of the vigilantes assigned to protect the farm lost his life during the incident.
Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed that the state government is cognizant of the attacks.
He stated, “The Niger State Government is fully aware of the situation. All relevant security agencies have been mobilized to tackle the issue and to prevent any future occurrences.”
