Terrorists have killed the Village Head of Madaka communities in Rafi local government area of Niger State alongside 20 others in the attack that took place Thursday evening into the night.
The communities are rich in gold, talc, and other mineral deposits and have frequently been targeted by bandits.
ALSO READ Rice loot leaves 3 students of Nasarawa varsity dead
Sources hinted that the bandits attacked the community in the evening on Thursday when the community market was in full session and operated late into the night.
Scores of persons were reportedly abducted, while 50 houses, an undisclosed number of cars, and motorcycles were set ablaze by the terrorists.
ALSO READ Sokoto: Army kills terrorist pretending to be police officer
The State Police spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun is yet to react to the attack, but the District Head of Madaka, Isah Bawale has confirmed the incident.
Rafi is a Local Government Area in Niger State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Kagara on the A125 highway. The southern border of the area is the Kaduna River. Towns in the LGA include Tegina, and Pandogari. It has an area of 3,680 km2 and a population of 181,929 at the 2006 census. The local government, bordered by Magama local government is one of the areas that have suffered frequent banditry attacks in recent times.
Banditry has been a significant security challenge in Niger State, Nigeria. Here are some recent incidents:
In Madaka community, Rafi local government area of Niger State, gunmen killed and kidnapped several people. The exact number of casualties is unconfirmed, but the situation is concerning.
In Kaure and other remote communities in Niger State, hundreds of jihadists have settled over the past year. These militants have carried out public executions, abducted young girls, forcibly recruited child soldiers, and decreed the closure of state schools. Their presence has added to the existing banditry problem in the region.
Shiroro Local Government Area has also faced security challenges due to banditry. Legislators have urged the state government to intervene in the security situation affecting Bassa and Allawa communities.
The situation in Niger State remains complex and dangerous, with both bandits and jihadists operating in the region. Authorities are grappling with the security implications, but the challenges persist.
