Panic gripped residents and travellers on Monday afternoon as over 300 suspected bandits on motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons, crossed the Kontagora–Minna highway between Kampanin Bobby and Wamba in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Eyewitnesses reported that the heavily armed men, believed to be coming from neighbouring Zamfara State, moved freely through the area en route to Mashegu Local Government Area without encountering any resistance from security forces. The unexpected sighting forced motorists and travellers to flee for safety.
A commercial driver who witnessed the incident expressed concern over the total absence of security operatives during the group’s passage.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Abbas Kasuwa Garba, said joint security teams have been dispatched to the affected communities to forestall further attacks. He also confirmed that two local vigilantes from Wamba who attempted to repel the attackers were killed, while one other person sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.
Military personnel stationed at Beri camp have reportedly been mobilised in response to the threat.
Attempts to reach the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Security remains a major concern across parts of Niger State, particularly in areas bordering Zamfara, which has long grappled with the menace of banditry.
Comments