March 12, (THEWILL) – Heavily armed men suspected to be bandits, have reportedly attacked eight communities in Munya Local Government area of Niger State, killings scores and injuring many villagers.
The villages, THEWILL learnt, include Liwi, Paidna, Tsohon Kabula, Chibani, Fuka, Kuchi, Dandaudu and Mararraban Dandaudu.
The rampaging gunmen reportedly ransacked villages between Wednesday and Friday, without any resistance from security personnel or vigilante groups and carted away large herds of cattle, goats and sheep.
Eyewitnesses said, the bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the communities on motorcycles.
A resident of Sarkin Pawa, Sunday Pada, said his relatives in Tsohon Kabula informed him that bandits have overran Paidna and neighbouring villages.
He said, “In Liwi, a community close to Kachiwe where people were previously burnt to ashes in their sleep, the gunmen attacked on Thursday and killed three people, abducted many others and also carried away their valuables.
“In Tsohon Kabula, my relatives also said the bandits are gathering in Paidna as a result of which the villages around there have been deserted. We are left on our own with no security presence. Please, help us tell the government to come to our aid.”
Local sources said, the bandits on Friday attacked Fuka, Dandaudu and Mararraban Dandaudu, villagers who went to Chibani and Mutum Daya markets, adding that the bandits commenced operation around 2pm.
On the number of casualties, the sources said, “At the moment, we cannot do anything, until the situation is calm enough to ascertain those who died.”
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, said security operatives have been mobilised to the communities.
“Government will ensure the security of lives and property of citizens and will ensure a coordinated security action in the affected areas will commence”, Umar said.
