In the early hours of Tuesday, a farming community in Niger State was devastated by an attack from armed bandits, resulting in the death of at least 10 residents, including women and children. The incident occurred in Wayam, a community in the Sabon-Gari District of Rafi Local Government Area. Witnesses say the bandits, numbering over 50, stormed the village on motorcycles and unleashed terror on the unsuspecting residents.
“They came very early in the morning while we were getting ready to go to the farm,” a local source, who preferred to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, recounted. “They rode in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately to scare everyone. It was a terrifying scene.”
Reports indicate that during the attack, some women who resisted the bandits’ attempts to sexually assault them were brutally slaughtered. The bandits also set homes, shops, and barns ablaze, leaving the community in ruins. “Some of them burnt down houses and barns. At least 10 people were killed, some from gunshots, others in more gruesome ways. They attacked for hours without any security personnel coming to help,” the source added.
Another resident, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the community has since been abandoned by its people, who fled in fear of further attacks. “We have buried all the victims amidst tears and heartbreak,” the resident said. “After each attack, the bandits retreat to the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State, which borders our community. It feels like there is no escape.”
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The attack highlights the persistent insecurity faced by residents in Niger State, as well as neighboring areas. Six months ago, a similar attack occurred in Madaka, a community just a few kilometers from Wayam, in which at least 60 people were killed by bandits.
Despite the growing threat, local sources lament the absence of security forces during and after these incidents. Calls for more robust and proactive security measures have been made repeatedly, yet many communities remain vulnerable to attacks.
When contacted for a response, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, stated, “I will find out and get back to you.” As of the time this report was filed, he had not provided further updates or responded to follow-up messages.
Residents of Wayam and neighboring communities continue to live in fear, grappling with the aftermath of violence and loss. The need for swift government intervention and improved security in the region has never been more urgent.