Bandits Burn Niger Primary School After Collecting N10m Protection Levy

Bandits Burn Niger Primary School After Collecting N10m Protection Levy

• Gunmen emerge from Kainji Lake National Park to torch Central Primary School, Dekara, despite receiving payment meant to secure peace; separate attacks in Shiroro LGA leave one dead and another abducted

Suspected bandits have reportedly set ablaze a primary school in Dekara town, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite allegedly collecting a N10 million levy from communities in the area who hoped the payment would prevent attacks . The incident occurred on Wednesday when the assailants emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park and invaded the district headquarters, torching the Central Primary School, Dekara .

Residents told Daily Trust that villages and communities in Dekara District had recently raised and paid the N10 million demanded by the bandits after they threatened to attack them if the levy was not paid . The payment was made following assurances from the bandits that residents would be allowed to remain in their communities without further attacks .

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, expressed shock at the betrayal. “The bandits imposed a N10 million levy on communities in the district. The money was paid because they threatened to attack us if we failed to comply. But despite receiving the money, they still attacked the district headquarters and burnt down the primary school,” the resident said . Another community source added, “We contributed the money because they promised not to attack us again. Instead, they returned and burnt our school after receiving the levy” .

READ ALSO:

• Seven villagers killed in Katsina attack as two policemen die in Kaduna rescue operation
• Anambra Court Remands Couple for Attempted Murder of 10-Year-Old Boy
• Motorists demand cheaper petrol as global crude oil prices fall

In a related development, bandits reportedly launched fresh attacks on Dnakau, Lanta and Unguwan Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area . Residents said one person was killed while another was kidnapped during the attacks. The abducted victim was identified as Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo, while Emma, a resident of Bagna community, was reportedly shot dead during the raid .

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful. The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, neither answered phone calls nor responded to a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report .

The attacks are the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Niger State, one of the hardest-hit states by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions. The destruction of the Central Primary School in Dekara adds to the growing toll on educational infrastructure in the region, where attacks on schools have become increasingly common as armed groups target educational institutions to spread fear and exert control over rural communities.

The fresh incidents have renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Niger State, with residents calling for sustained military deployments and long-term measures to restore peace to the region. The state has witnessed numerous deadly raids, mass abductions, and extortion campaigns by armed groups who frequently operate from remote forest and park areas, including the Kainji Lake National Park, which serves as a hideout for bandits launching attacks on surrounding communities.

Bandits Burn Niger Primary School After Collecting N10m Protection Levy