Bandits kill five, abduct 18 in Niger communities

Suspected bandits have killed five farmers, abducted 18 people and burnt houses and shops in separate attacks in Niger State, forcing community residents to flee their homes.

According to Daily Trust, the attacks occurred between 9 and 12 October in Fanga in Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA), and in Kigbere and Kokani in Borgu LGA.

The latest attack occurred in Fanga on Monday after residents reportedly failed to meet the armed men’s demand for millions of naira in levies, according to the newspaper.

A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust anonymously, said the attackers invaded the community in the afternoon, burnt houses and shops, and killed five people.

“They set one of our trucks ablaze, broke into many shops and stole food items. They also abducted 18 people, including women and young children. Fanga has been completely deserted,” the resident said.

The resident said the attackers had imposed levies on the community five times but continued to attack residents despite previous payments.

“Our children no longer go to school because of insecurity. We can no longer access our farms. We need government intervention,” the resident added.

Residents flee amid security fears

Meanwhile, residents of Rukukuje in Rijau LGA reportedly fled their homes on Monday following reports of suspected bandits moving into the area from Zamfara State.

A resident told the newspaper that some displaced residents moved to Rijau, the local government headquarters, while others crossed into neighbouring Zamfara State for safety.

Another resident said farmers fled after armed men were sighted advancing towards their community.

A video circulating on social media reportedly showed women, children, and elderly people wading through a river towards Shambo, carrying food and personal belongings.

Some were also seen pushing motorcycles through the water.

The reported movement of the armed men triggered panic, with families abandoning their homes over fears of an attack.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to a message seeking comment, according to the report.

The attacks come amid continuing insecurity in Niger State, where rural communities have faced killings, abductions and displacement linked to armed groups.

The reported movement of suspected bandits from Zamfara highlights the security challenges facing communities along the states’ border.

Niger State has also recently been in the news following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna.

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The deaths, which occurred after arrests during enforcement operations on 15 and 16 September, prompted public concern and investigations by the state and federal governments.

An independent federal committee investigating the deaths has identified possible institutional breakdown, overzealousness and training deficiencies as issues requiring scrutiny, but has yet to reach a conclusion.

The latest attacks add to concerns about the safety of rural residents whose livelihoods depend on farming and who face disruption from persistent insecurity.