Armed Gang Invades Niger State Community, One Dead

Residents of Muhammad Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, Niger State, have been forced to evacuate their homes following a violent attack by armed hoodlums believed to be artisanal miners.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, the attackers struck the community, damaging around 50 houses and vehicles. They warned residents to leave their homes and threatened to return. This raid comes just a week after the community had reported damage related to mining activities to the police.

Initial reports indicate that about 100 hoodlums overwhelmed local police until reinforcements arrived to drive them out.

John Regan, a local resident, stated that the assailants, armed with cutlasses and other weapons, were retaliating against the community’s efforts to halt nearby mining operations.

Mrs. Babalola Balkisu, another resident, described how she was at work when she received news of the break-in at her home. The attackers shattered her windows but could not enter the house because her son had locked the doors. Balkisu expressed her growing concern about the rising insecurity linked to illegal mining in the area.

Community leader Dr. Ya-Aba Mohammed attributed the attack to recent efforts to curb mining activities. He noted, “The presence of miners has been increasingly troubling. Just yesterday, we responded to cries for help and discovered two women had their phones stolen by armed men.”

Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident, stating that police received a distress call around 2:00 p.m. about the attack. “Patrol teams, led by the DPO of Maitumbi, were dispatched and managed to disperse the attackers,” SP Abiodun said.

He added that one person, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was killed during the raid. The body has been taken to the general hospital morgue. SP Abiodun assured that normalcy has been restored and additional patrols have been deployed. An investigation is underway to apprehend those responsible for the attack.