Niger: Bandits murder 25 farmers and kidnap scores

A day after 13 vigilantes were killed and numerous villagers were kidnapped in Kusharki village, an attack on Saturday took place.

In the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, thieves have murdered 15 farmers and kidnapped scores of people, including women and girls, from different communities.

According to Channels Television, the attack that took place on Saturday came one day after 13 vigilantes were killed and numerous villagers were kidnapped in Kusharki village.

A village community leader who did not want his name to be used for security reasons confirmed the attack, claiming that the bandits have resumed attacks in some of the local government’s villages with full force.

The community has been under siege by bandits for the past two weeks as the situation has gotten worse, he said, appealing to the state government and security agencies to come to their aid and ease their suffering.

Additionally, Mohammed Sani Musa, a senator for the Niger East Senatorial District, confirmed the attack to Channels Television on Sunday.

The representative expressed worry that the bandits had resumed their attacks in four local government councils in his constituency—Rafi, Paikoro, Munya, and Shiroro.

However, he has faith that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will quickly address these issues.

The attack was confirmed by DSP Wasiu Abiodun of the State Police when he was contacted.

He was unable to determine the number of casualties, though.

Police have been sent to Yakila, Tegina, Kagara, Pandogari, Kusherki, and other villages, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Abiodun, to help the military and restore normalcy there.