Bandits

Bandits attack Niger community, burn houses, turn market into ashes

Fiery bandits have attacked Madaka community in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least 21, including the village head.

The attacks occurred around 3 pm on Thursday, as activities were high in the community market.

In the ensuing pandemonium, approximately 50 houses were burnt, along with several commercial establishments, and a number of automobiles and motorcycles.

The attacks were said to be merciless with smokes emitting in residences as the bandits indiscriminately snuffed out lives of the people and reduced the burstling market to ashes.

Also, they abducted an unknown number of villagers to an undisclosed location.

Alhaji Isah Bawale, a respected district head, verified the harrowing events in a somber telephone interview from Minna, the state capital. This tragedy marks a chilling recurrence, as the community had previously weathered a similar assault years ago, resulting in the untimely demise of a former district head.

Alarmingly, Madaka has languished without adequate security presence since that fateful day, leaving its inhabitants vulnerable to the whims of marauding bandits, who have since operated with impunity.

Efforts to seek clarification and assurance from the Niger State Command of Police, through the Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, were met with promises of verification and a follow-up, though no response had been forthcoming at the time of this report.

The Niger State Government is yet to comment on the incident, prompting mounting concerns regarding measures being taken to safeguard vulnerable communities like Madaka against such brazen acts of violence.

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