Bandits
In a devastating attack, bandits killed seven people and abducted over 200 locals in the Kuchi community of Munya Local Government Area, Niger State. The attack, which occurred on Friday night, resulted in the deaths of four security task force members and three villagers.
Residents described the midnight assault as the worst in the last five years. The bandits, numbering about 300, operated under heavy rainfall for over three hours, causing chaos as residents fled into nearby communities and bushes.
A resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, recounted the harrowing experience: “The bandits went from house to house, selecting those they wanted to take away, including women and children. They looted all the shops in the community and carted away goods and drinks. They overpowered the security agents who were also looking for a way to escape.”
The attackers, riding on approximately 100 motorcycles with three armed men on each, faced no resistance as they carried out their raid. The resident added, “There was no reinforcement for the security agents on the ground until this morning when some security personnel arrived, but the damage had already been done.”
The Chairman of Munya Local Government, Aminu Najume, confirmed the attack and the fatalities. He stated, “The bandits invaded the community at about 7 pm in groups, numbering about 300. They moved from house to house, dispossessing people of their belongings. They also abducted about 150 villagers, including women, and went away with them inside the rain.”
Najume expressed frustration over the lack of prompt assistance during the attack. “Throughout the operation by the bandits, no assistance came from anywhere. Honestly, the council is overwhelmed with the current situation. I am not thinking straight as I speak with you because my people have lost their sleep; they have been forced out of the community.”
He criticized the inaction of the Kaduna State Government, attributing the continuous bandit onslaught to its failure to take concrete measures. “These people usually come from Kaduna State to operate in Niger State and return. They move in their hundreds, and yet the security agents don’t see them, even when the villagers alert them, no action is taken.”
Najume’s frustration was echoed by rights group Amnesty International, which condemned the attack. The group stated on social media, “The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives. The Nigerian authorities have left the rural communities of Niger State at the mercy of gunmen who kill and abduct people daily.” Amnesty International called on the authorities to prevent mass kidnappings and bring the culprits to justice.
This attack follows another incident barely two weeks ago, where suspected bandits ambushed and abducted 30 people from two commercial vehicles along Mangoro village. The passengers, who were heading to Kaduna State, have not regained their freedom as of this report.
Niger State has become a hotbed of bandit and terrorist activities, with frequent attacks on residents despite military efforts to contain them. The state continues to grapple with security challenges, leaving communities vulnerable and residents in constant fear.