We Barely Escaped Death!” – Magama Breaks Silence On Brutal Bandit Attack In Niger State

Martha Magama, a native of Raba Village in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, has opened up about the tragic events that shattered her once peaceful life. Her account paints a grim picture of fear, loss, and abandonment, all triggered by relentless attacks from armed bandits.

According to Martha, the nightmare began around 2015. What started as mere whispers of insecurity in nearby villages soon escalated into a brutal reality. Heavily armed bandits and terrorists began launching attacks on communities near Raba and the neighbouring town of Nasko—turning quiet villages into war zones.

“Raba and Nasko were calm, peaceful places,” she recalled. “But everything changed when these armed men started invading. We lived in constant fear. Every day, we worried about who would be taken next—or if we would even survive the night.”

Her story is filled with unimaginable trauma. Martha and her family were forced to flee their home, leaving behind their lives and memories. Although they survived, they now live in fear, too terrified to return.

“We don’t feel safe going back. These armed groups still operate freely, and nobody is stopping them,” she lamented.

One of the early attacks left a deep scar. The bandits, disguised in military-style camouflage and wielding guns, surrounded her home. With no escape, her father-in-law was taken by force while the family watched in horror.

“They came from both sides of the bush. We were completely trapped. They abducted him despite our desperate cries. It broke us,” she said.

A particularly horrific attack occurred on May 4, 2019, just after 11 p.m. Gunmen stormed her home again, firing at random. Her cousin was killed, and three women, including young girls, were abducted. Local vigilantes bravely confronted the attackers and eventually repelled them, but the damage had already been done.

The most devastating incident happened on March 15, 2022. Bandits brazenly attacked in broad daylight, killing the Divisional Police Officer of Magama, Umar Dakin, and six vigilante members who tried to defend the community.

“These attacks tore my family apart. Many of us are scattered across the state. Some are still hiding. We’ve received no help from the government or security agencies. We feel completely abandoned,” she said in anguish.

Even more troubling, Martha alleged that some elements within Nigeria’s security forces might be aiding the attackers.

“People believe some of the bandits have inside support—from corrupt officers in the army, police, navy, and air force. These people are feeding them information and supplies. It’s a betrayal we never expected,” she revealed.

She said this betrayal has destroyed trust in the very institutions meant to protect them. Now, like many others, she’s seeking help outside Nigeria.

As this report is being filed, numerous rural communities across Niger State remain under siege. Residents continue to flee in droves, desperate to escape the wave of violence sweeping across the region.

Martha’s story is just one among many—a painful reminder of the suffering countless Nigerians are enduring as they are forced to abandon their homes and live in fear, with no end in sight.