Bandits raid Niger communities, kill three, abduct 28 others

By JUSTINA ASISHANA, Minna

Bandits have killed three persons and abducted 28 others in Farin-Shinge, Kulho, Jigawa, Dogo Fadama communities of Mashegu local government area of Niger state

The Nation gathered the bandits demanded seven 50 litres of fuel, packs of Viju milk and other drinks as ransom for the release of the abductees.

The Nation learnt the attack was carried out from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning.

In the Farin-Shinge community, which is in the outskirts of Kontagora, the bandits struck around 1.45 pm when the Jumat prayers were about to hold.

Eight people were abducted during the operation.

The Vice-Chairman of Kontagora local government area, Aliyu Makiga, confirmed the attack.

He said the bandits came through the Tegina route in large numbers, adding that security operatives tried to foil the attack but the gunmen proceeded to the communities.

“They kidnapped a lot of people and some have been released while others are still with them.

“They are demanding for a ransom of seven 50 litres jerrican of petrol, Viju Milk and other drinks,” he said.

Another group of bandits attacked Jigawa, Dogo Fadama and surrounding communities killing two people while four others were abducted.

A resident of the Jigawa community, Umar Mohammed, said that the bandits conducted house to house searches and rustled a large number of cattle.

He said that the attack took the community unaware but many residents managed to escape.

In Kulho community, the bandits struck around 3.30 pm and operated till 6 pm.

The Nation learnt that oAlhajo Tanko Kulho was shot dead and 16 people abducted.

Shops were ransacked and over 18 motorcycles were stolen in the community.

A resident in Kulho, Abdulrahman Kulho Adamu, who confirmed the attack said six of his family members, including his three elder brothers were among the abductees.

“We were all seated at the market square when we saw many motorcycles carrying at least three people on each and they are well harmed with AK 47 magazine guns. The operation started around 3.48 pm and they left Kulho at around 6.07 pm.

‘Many people were abducted. Six of my family members were abducted, they include my elder brothers Yakubu Kulho, Gambo Kulho, Haruna Nda kulho, my younger brother, Baba Nda Karami, my nephew, Mohammed Gaddafi and my elder brother’s wife, Salaha Haruna Kulho. Six of them in my family were taken”, he said.

Calls to the Niger state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun were not returned. (The Nation)