Bandits invade two councils in Niger

No fewer than 18 persons were confirmed dead, on Friday, when armed bandits invaded some communities in Wushushi Council, Niger State.

During the attack, nine persons were confirmed killed by the bandits, but six individuals were said to have drowned in river Kaduna, while trying to escape from the bandits.

Eyewitnesses said the bandits, who were in their large number, attacked a fish market where they reportedly killed nine persons before extending their attack to a nearby community and killing three people.

It was learnt many of the traders, on sighting the bandits, jumped into the river in a bid to escape. “Unfortunately, many of them could not swim and drowned in the river,” an eyewitness told The Guardian.

It was gathered that unknown to some villagers, another set of bandits were waiting on the other side of the river and as soon as those that swam for safety got to the riverbank, they started shooting at them sporadically, killing six villagers.

The Public Relations Officer, Niger State, Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted to confirm the attack, promised to call back, but did not call as at the time of filing the report.

But the member representing Wushishi Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bashir Lokogoma, confirmed the attack in a telephone interview.

Lokogoma said there was an attack in Wushishi by bandits, which resulted in casualties.

Meanwhile, armed bandits have also attacked Batati Community in Lavun Council of Niger State on Friday night. Three persons were abducted, though families of the victims have not been contacted by the bandits.