Armed bandits | File Image
By Mohammed Usman
Armed bandits have hit Niger State again, killing no fewer than 13 persons including one mobile police officer and two vigilante group members in the three communities – Kumbashi, Bangi and Mongoro.
Eyewitness revealed that to guarantee uninterrupted operation during the attack, the armed men, who were running away from Zamfara State, blew off a telecommunication mast in the locality to obstruct free flow of communication during the raid on Tuesday.
The attack was coming on the heels of a similar one in Mariga that claimed the lives of some security operatives.
The source who would not want his name made public, said the bandits, appeared to be on revenge mission or reprisal attacks on the communities after the recent raid on their hideout by the Nigerian Air Force which led to severe casualties on the side of the invaders.
Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, who confirmed the attack, however told journalists that he could not confirm the exact number of casualties on both sides.
Also read: Bandits not responsible for Zamfara explosion, but Lakurawa — Police
“For now there is serious tension in the whole of Mariga Local Government Area due to continued siege by the armed bandits.
“We cannot give the exact number of casualties”.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger State command, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, could not be reached as at the time of filing the report.
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