‘Many residents killed’ as bandits attack Niger communities

Many residents have been reportedly killed during an attack by suspected bandits on villages in Rafi LGA of Niger state.

Confirming the development to TheCable on Saturday, Ayuba Katako, chairman of Rafi LGA, said the bandits have been operating in the villages since Thursday.

Katako said the bandits are still in Mashegu LGA, adding that the informants in the affected communities are thwarting the efforts of the security agencies.

“The attack has been going on for about three days now.  They have killed scores of people, rustled some cattle, and even kidnapped many people,” he said.

“The attack is unabated, it has been on day and night for three days now. As I am speaking with now right now, they are around the Mashegu axis. They come out from different angles.

“Everybody is on top of the matter. Our greatest enemy is the informants, the military will be here and the informant will inform the terrorists. Sometimes, the bandits come out from the area least expected.

“We are just calling on the army to be careful in their operation so it doesn’t affect people living in these communities. The situation is serious but honestly, the government is on top of the situation, and the vigilantes too are up and doing.

“We have warned residents not to be rearing their cattle in the open as it attract these bandits. The moment they see these cattle, they attack the area.

“We are doing our best, security agencies are doing their best. Our regret is to the villagers, those in the rural communities living peacefully in their communities and now they are being displaced.

“We need to keep praying to God to intercede in the situation and encourage the security agencies to keep doing their best.”

Also speaking on the incident, Mustapha Kusherki, a resident in one of the affected areas, said he had to hide inside the bush in Pandogari area till Saturday morning.

He said about 10 villages were attacked, adding that the bandits kidnapped five people from Kusherki village.

“The bandits attacked Kusherki village yesterday but they have been attacking some of our villages since Thursday. They invaded Kusherki village at about 2 pm after Juma’at prayer yesterday,” he said.

“Many people were killed but the ones I can confirm are two people. They were sighted in Kusherki village at about 6 pm on Thursday, they came, settled at a house, cooked, and went about their lives but started attacking after Juma’at prayer yesterday.

“About five people were kidnapped and they also destroyed properties, They invaded in large numbers on many motorcycles. Honestly, they were very plenty. I had to run for my life. I hid inside the bush around Pandogari area since last night, I just left the bush this morning.

“The villages they attacked include Kukoki, Uregi, Unguwan Kanawa, Unguwan Galadima, Kwambo, Ganin Gari and Kusherki all in Rafi LGA.”

Efforts to reach Wasiu Abiodun, Niger police spokesperson, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.