Five farmers have been killed, 18 folks kidnapped, and houses and outlets burnt in a collection of assaults by suspected bandits in communities in Niger State.
The assaults occurred between October 9 and 12, 2026, in Fanga neighborhood in Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA), in addition to Kigbere and Kokani communities in Borgu LGA.
The newest assault occurred in Fanga on Monday after the bandits allegedly demanded tens of millions of naira in levies from residents who couldn’t meet their calls for.
A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust on situation of anonymity, stated the attackers invaded the neighborhood in the afternoon, setting houses and outlets on hearth and killing 5 folks.
“They set one of our trucks ablaze, broke into many shops and stole food items. They also abducted 18 people, including women and young children. Fanga has been completely deserted,” he stated.
The resident stated the bandits had imposed levies on the neighborhood 5 occasions, however continued to assault it regardless of earlier funds.
“Even after we now have paid, they nonetheless come to assault us. This time, we now have not been capable of pay what they demanded, and so they have insisted that if we wish peace, we must always increase the cash and pay.
“Our children no longer go to school because of insecurity. We can no longer access our farms. We need government intervention,” he added.
Meanwhile, residents of Rukukuje neighborhood in Rijau LGA fled their houses on Monday following studies of the motion of suspected bandits in the realm.
A resident stated a few of these fleeing had moved to Rijau, the native authorities headquarters, whereas others crossed into neighbouring Zamfara State for security.
He stated the suspected bandits entered the realm by way of a forest in Zamfara State in the afternoon.
Another resident stated farmers fled after the armed males have been sighted advancing in the direction of their neighborhood.
A video circulating on social media confirmed ladies, youngsters and aged folks wading by way of a river in the direction of Shambo in search of security.
They have been seen carrying meals objects and different private belongings as they fled the reported risk.
Some residents have been additionally seen pushing their bikes by way of the water as they made their method out of the neighborhood.
Local sources stated the reported motion of the suspected bandits triggered panic, forcing households to desert their houses over fears of an assault.
The Rijau axis of Niger State has confronted rising safety considerations, with suspected bandits working throughout the border from Zamfara State, which has battled persistent banditry for years.
Despite repeated safety operations geared toward flushing out the armed teams, rural communities proceed to face threats that disrupt farming and power residents to flee their houses.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, didn’t reply to a message despatched to his cellphone looking for remark.
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