Bandits kill five, abduct 150 in Niger community

Bandits have invaded the Baga community in Shiroro local government of Niger state and ended up killing five villagers. One hundred and fifty (150) villagers were also said to have been abducted after setting several houses in the village ablaze.

A reliable source from the community told our correspondent that the gunmen, besides being armed with sophisticated weapons, also used bombs to wreak havoc in the villages.

Many of the villagers who took to their heels to take refuge in the bush were gunned down, while many were rounded up and abducted. The source said,”The gunmen are many and are believed to have entered the community from neighbouring Kaduna state to wreak havoc.

“Some men of the local vigilante members who tried to repel the gunmen were shot and sustained varying degrees of injuries and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

According to him, “We can see thick smoke in different parts of the communities, which is an indication that Baga and neighbouring villages had been set ablaze.”

In a swift reaction, our Correspondent gathered that security personnel have been drafted to the area to rescue those abducted and to keep peace in the area.

Chairman of the Local government, Mr. Ishyaku Bawa, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Journalists.

He declared, “Yes, bandits invaded the community, and some villagers were killed, while some were injured.

“We are presently in the hospital to attend to those injured, and I cannot give more details for now,” the chairman declared. (Vanguard)