Again, Bandits Kill 13 In Niger

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed  13 people in Mariga local government area of Niger state.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the killings took place at  Magoro, Kumbashi and Bangi, the headquarters of the local government area.

It was learnt that among those killed on Tuesday night were three members of the Vigilantes and a policeman stationed in various parts of the area.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the bandits came on  150 Motorcycles and carrying sophisticated weapons as they took the villagers by surprise, firing randomly, killing 13,  injuring dozens.

An eyewitness account revealed that the bandits came into the communities from the direction of the border of the local government area and Zamfara state.

The eyewitness account also revealed that the bandits blew off a communication mast to prevent using mobile handsets, thereby stopping the villagers from calling for reinforcement.

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP findings revealed that the bandits have launched attacks on the communities as a reprisal for the airstrike on their camps within the border of Niger and Zamfara.

The airstrike was a sequel to the killing of 17 soldiers two weeks ago at Gulmin Boka in the same local government.

LEADERSHIP reported that 17 Soldiers were killed during an ambush in the area, and after the incident, an air strike was launched, killing scores of the bandits.

The chairman of the Mariga local government area, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed the attack yesterday.

While saying he was not sure about the actual number of casualties, he said there was severe tension in the area as bandits were going from one community to another.

The Niger State command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached when the report was filed. Still, a senior police officer who preferred anonymity confirmed the attack.