Bandit Attack Leaves Village Head And 20 Others Dead In Niger State Market Assault

Bandit Attack Leaves Village Head And 20 Others Dead In Niger State Market Assault....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bandits have perpetrated a devastating assault in Madaka, an agricultural community situated in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in the tragic loss of 21 lives, including that of the village head.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, numbering several, launched a brazen attack on the bustling market at approximately 3 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, amidst the peak of commercial activities, indiscriminately firing upon the unsuspecting crowd.

Numerous individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries, with many currently undergoing treatment at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.

Reports indicate that the bandits, in addition to the loss of lives, carried out widespread acts of destruction, including the abduction of dozens, including children, and the burning of motorcycles, cars, residences, shops, and merchandise belonging to local traders.

This tragic incident in Madaka follows closely on the heels of a prior attack in the neighboring village of Pangu Gari, where gunmen targeted and killed the district head along with four others.

Sources further reveal that the assailants revisited Madaka under the cover of darkness, launching sporadic gunfire and instilling fear within the community. Allegations suggest that their primary motive was to reclaim cattle recently confiscated from them during aerial operations in the region, as well as to engage in further acts of cattle rustling.

Confirming the grim occurrence, the District Head, Alhaji Isah Bawale, conveyed the details of the incident to the Daily Trust on Friday.

Expressing profound concern, Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Association, denounced the severity of the attack, urging both federal and state authorities to intensify efforts in combating insecurity across Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi LGAs.

Residents lamented the recurring absence of security personnel, despite the area having endured multiple attacks over the past five years.

In response to inquiries, Brig Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (retd), the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed the assault via telephone communication. While refraining from providing specific details, he assured that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is steadfast in its resolve to quell the incessant attacks plaguing farming communities within the state.

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