Again bandits strike in Niger, abduct 50

Bandits on Thursday abducted about 50 people in an early morning attack on Bassa community in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

There have been regular attacks by bandits in the state. At least 22 people were killed by bandits on September 4, 2020 in the state in two attacks, the APF had reported then.

Earlier, the military had confirmed three soldiers of the Operation Whirl Punch had been killed and two others wounded while repelling an attack by bandits on Tashan Kare community in the state.

The bandits in the early hours of Thursday reportedly invaded the Bassa community in large numbers on motorcycles, according to The Nation’s report.

The people, who were said to be getting set for the day’s activities, were jolted by the bandits’ invasion, causing them to run into the bush for safety.

The Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Kokki, who confirmed the incident, said the bandits attacked the town, causing mayhem on unsuspecting peaceful and defenceless people.

He, however, stated that the number of people kidnapped was yet to be ascertained but noted that they were many.

Kokki also disclosed that on Tuesday, some other communities in Bassa/Kokki were attacked.

He said that Shiroro Local Government Area was urgently in need of help, as people had continued to live in fear.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abiodun Wasiu, said he would get back to on the incident.