In a devastating attack on the Madaka community in the Rafi local government area of Niger State, suspected bandits have caused widespread destruction, resulting in the loss of at least 21 lives, including the village head.
The incident occurred suddenly around 3pm on Thursday, during the busy community market, leading to a grim number of casualties.
Eyewitness reports describe a scene of chaos, with approximately 50 houses engulfed in flames, along with several businesses, and numerous burnt-out cars and motorcycles.
The armed assailants descended upon the village, showing no mercy as they opened fire, indiscriminately taking lives and reducing the once-thriving market to ashes. Additionally, they heartlessly kidnapped an unknown number of villagers, taking them to an undisclosed location.
Alhaji Isah Bawale, a respected district leader, confirmed the horrifying events in a solemn phone interview from Minna, the state capital. This tragedy is a chilling reminder of a similar attack that the community endured years ago, resulting in the untimely death of a former district leader.
Disturbingly, Madaka has been lacking sufficient security presence since that tragic day, leaving its residents vulnerable to the whims of marauding bandits who continue to operate without consequences.
Efforts to obtain clarification and reassurance from the Niger State Command of Police, through the Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, have been met with promises of verification and follow-up, but no response has been received at the time of this report.
The Niger State Government has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident, raising concerns about the measures being taken to protect vulnerable communities like Madaka from such brazen acts of violence.
