Panic grips Niger state as gunmen attack communities, kill 21, kidnap 40
- Suspected bandits numbering 300 have attacked some communities in Niger state
- At least 21 people were killed while 40 were also kidnapped during the siege
- Residents fear bandits may take-over the affected communities if the government is not proactive on security
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
In another onslaught on the Shiroro communities in Niger state, at least 40 people have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits.
The attack, which happened on Tuesday, February 2, also saw 21 people killed as about three hundred gunmen on motorcycles stormed the communities, The Punch reports.
Legit.ng gathers that the incident occurred at Kurege, Sabon Gida, Sararai and Rafin Kanya villages of Shiroro local government area.
An eyewitness who spoke to media said bandits may take over the affected communities if the government does not take a solid measure.
Source: Twitter
In his reaction, secretary to the Niger state government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, confirmed the bandit attack, though denied knowledge of the actual number of casualties.
Matane maintained that Niger government is doing everything possible within its powers to address the problem of insecurity in the state.
Allow people to carry weapons - Zamfara emir
Meanwhile, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, Emir of Anka, has urged the state governor, Bello Matawalle, to allow people to carry firearms for self-defence amid rising insecurity in the northern region.
The traditional ruler made this known on Sunday, December 20, when he paid a condolence visit to Emir of Kaura-Namoda Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Asha following bandits' attack on his convoy.
Attahiru, who is the chairman of the state's council of chiefs, said the "bandits would never give up" and embrace the "peace and reconciliation as initiated by the government."
New service chiefs storm Borno
Legit.ng reported that in a coordinated effort towards ending the menace of Boko Haram insurgents and bandits, the new service chiefs travelled to Borno state.
The visit on Sunday, January 31, is the first movement of the new service chiefs to Borno which is the theatre of war against Boko Haram since their appointment.
They were led by the chief of defence staff, General Lucky Irabor in what is believed will redefine the fight against the insurgents.
Source: Legit.ng
