Following the ongoing attacks on farming villages in Rafi, Mashegu, Wushishi, and a portion of the Shiroro LGAs of the state, the humanitarian crisis in Niger State has only become worse.
Our correspondent was informed by locals along the Zungeru-Tegina road in Rafi LGA, Wushishi LGA, and Mashegu LGA that bandits have been abducting and attacking civilians since Thursday.
In the most recent attacks, many towns between Yakila and Garun-Gabas on Zungeru-Tegina road in Rafi LGA were stormed at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and dozens of people were abducted.
According to information provided to our correspondent, between the previous Friday and Wednesday, hundreds of individuals were abducted from Sayyadi, Kachi, and nearby villages in the Rafi, Mashegu, and Wushishi LGAs.
According to information obtained by Daily Trust, many locals left the impacted neighborhoods after stores and homes were robbed.
They looted Maidawa and Tabbani in Mashegu LG, rustled cows, and held civilians hostage before forcing them to use canoes to cross to Tabbani village and return to Rafi LGA.
The Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached by phone at the time this story was filed, despite repeated attempts.
However, when reached, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor of Niger State’s chief press secretary, stated that the state administration had not given up on efforts to protect the lives and property of its residents, particularly those living in communities under attack by bandits.
(Daily Trust)