Panic As 6 Youths Are Killed In Niger Community

The people of Wawa community in Borgu local government area of Niger State were in anguish at the weekend as six youths of the community were killed by yet unidentified attackers.

Our correspondent gathered that the six youths left home on Friday to search for a member of the community who was abducted from his farm by gunmen suspected to be bandits.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said, “It is confirmed, security operatives mobilised to the scene and recovered the bodies. Efforts are being intensified for the search of other missing persons.”

A community leader who preferred anonymity said, “The killing was as the result of reports that a prominent youth was attacked on his farm, a group of youths mobilised and went into the bush to confront suspected bandits in an attempt to rescue him. While some of the youths returned safely, others were declared missing.

“Sadly, the situation took a tragic turn as six bodies were recovered from the scene, and security operatives conveyed them from the bush to the community.”

Another source said, “Six of our brothers have been officially confirmed dead, plunging Wawa community into mourning. This incident has caused deep pain, fear and trauma among families, friends and residents of the community.”

Borgu Emirate had been attacked by bandits since the abduction and release of the 230 Papiri schoolchildren and staff last year.

A fortnight ago, 42 people were killed at Kasuwan Daji Market in the area, prompting prominent people from the area to call on both state and the federal government to come to their aid.