Panic As Bandits Kill Vigilante, Abduct Many In Fresh Niger Attacks

Bandits have caused serious panic in Niger State after launching attacks in the area.

A  vigilante member has been killed while another one sustained severe gunshot injuries by bandits who reportedly attacked Ebbo community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.

Daily Trust gathered that several villagers were also abducted in several attacks on villages in the state.

Our correspondent gathered that bandits arrived at Ebbo community around 10:45 pm and went straight to the vigilante office where they killed one of the vigilantes and shot another one in the leg.

Daily Trust also gathered that the Wednesday attack came four days after the neighbouring communities of Kpada and Yaba, border communities to the Federal Capital Territory, were attacked during which at least one person also lost his life while several residents fled their homes.

Residents said attackers also raided Angwan Dajin Gomna in Kpada community and kidnapped five persons before moving to Zago village and lafiyan Zago where they operated for hours.

In Zago, Daily Trust gathered that bandits abducted over 10 people.

Residents said the area had been under constant attacks in the last few months, scaring residents and farmers away from going about their normal duties.

“We were at a viewing centre watching football when we heard sporadic shooting of guns. We all ran out and it was bandits in their numbers. We had to run for our dear lives. But as I speak with you, our vigilantes are after them in the bush,” a resident told our correspondent.

Another source said, “Bandits operated at Ebbo Community in Lapai Local Government of Niger State. They killed one person and shot one of the leaders of vigilantes in the leg.”

The leader of the vigilantes, Mallam Yusuf Adalami, told Daily Trust that the injured member had been rushed to Gulu General Hospital while his men were on the trail of the bandits who fled into forests.

He said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on his members.

He said, “They came on motorcycles in their numbers and came straight to our office. They started shooting sporadically at our office. Our major challenge is lack of weapons. We don’t have the kind of weapons they use.

“Even when we were to take one of our members who sustained severe injuries, we didn’t get vehicle easily. And on our way, the car broke down again. It took hours before we could get another car to take him to the hospital. His condition is severe; we may have to take him to another place for treatment.”

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.