Bandits Kill Many, Set Houses Ablaze In Niger

Bandits yesterday invaded Pissa village in Borgu local government area of Niger State, killing scores of residents and setting over 40 houses ablaze.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that that they took the villagers by surprise, entering through more than one passage and attacking from different points on over 200 motorcycles.

They reportedly struck at anyone on sight and burnt houses they could access.

A resident, Umaru Musa, told our correspondent that some of them escaped by the whiskers.

“I escaped through the bush down to the adjoining village before escaping to Babbanna,” he said.

On the possible casualty figure, he said, “Many people were killed, and most people escaped through the bush to neighbouring villages and towns, we cannot ascertain the number of victims now, we are trying to get in touch via phone and some people’s phones are not going through,” he said.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said they received the report at about 9am, indicating that suspected bandits invaded the village where three persons were reportedly killed and some houses were set ablaze.

He said the military responded and engaged the terrorists, and details were still sketchy as the bandits were repelled.