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