November 15, (THEWILL) – Armed bandits on Monday invaded communities in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
The bandits who razed down houses, also kidnapped unspecified number of villagers.
THEWILL learnt that the villages already overun by the bandits included New Kachiwe, Zagzaga and old Kabila.
The bandits, numbering over 60 and riding on motorcycles, as well as armed with sophisticated weapons, were also said to be expanding their operations to other villages in the area.
It was not known how many people have been killed or kidnapped because the entire area was still in total confusion with people running for their dear lives.
According to an eyewitness, several people have been trapped on their farms, while many villagers were seen in lorries trying to escape the war zone.
He said where the people will settle will be another problem because there is no IDP camp in the area.
The affected communities are just a few kilometres from Sarkin-Pawa, the headquarters of the local government, where security men are stationed, but the eyewitness said there has been no action from the security agents.
He said that the local vigilante, who tried to repel the bandits, were overwhelmed by the number of the bandits and their superior fire power so they had to beat a retreat.
THEWILL further gathered that in the absence of regular security operatives, the local government has sought the assistance of local vigilante from a nearby local government.
It was gathered that the ultimate aim of the bandits is to settle in the already conquered villages, according to the eyewitness.
When contacted, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matane, confirmed the development, saying: “It is just happening so I cannot give you any details.”
Matane however said government and the security agencies will take action that will lead to the bandits being sacked from the areas already overtaken, adding that the armed men could have infiltrated the area from Kaduna and Zamfara States, the states Niger State shares boundaries with in the axis.
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