By Tina George, Minna

Suspected bandits have ambushed and killed 17 vigilantes in Dukku, Rijau local government area of Niger state. 

This is coming after less than 24 hours of similar attacks in Kagara town of Rafi local government area and Adagbyi village in Shiroro local government area of the state. 

Ashenewsonline gathered that the vigilantes were tried to neutralize some bandits following a tip-off, but the bandits over-powered and killed them. 

Two of the bandits were however reported to have been killed while exchanging gun fire with the vigilantes.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Muhammmad Sani Idris who confirmed the incident, said the number of those killed is yet to be ascertained.

According to him, the state government is taking steps to address the insecurity in the state. 

Ashenewsonline further learnt that corpses of vigilantes were still in the bush under the control of bandits who have vowed not to surrender them for burial.

The Niger state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached for comment as at the time of filling this report.