Bandits Invade Niger Community, Kill 16 Vigilantes

By Reporter

At least 16 members of a local vigilante group were reportedly killed and dozens abducted when heavily armed bandits launched a dawn raid on communities in the Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Sources confirmed that, the terrorists attacked Magaman Matane, Ragada, Ramu, Dutsen Magaji and the surrounding villages of Mashegu Local Government Area between 9th and 13th November.

A source in the area confirmed the attack, saying 16 vigilantes who confronted the bandits were killed.

“The vigilantes were overpowered when they ran out of ammunition, amd in the process killed 16 of them,” he said.

“The attackers, riding on motorcycles and wielding sophisticated weapons, overwhelmed the community guards who have been struggling to defend remote villages where government security presence remained thin,” he added.

The assault, survivors say, is the latest in a deadly cycle of violence that continues to tighten its grip on the region.

The terrorists were also said to have abducted about 40 women, but some escaped during the gun duel with vigilantes.

The slain vigilantes are yet to be identified at press time, but sources confirmed that the attacks occurred in different villages under Mashegu LG of the state.

Another source in the affected village of Mashegu, said bandits operated freely for days without hindrance, targeting women for abduction.

“Several women were abducted by the terrorists. We cannot tell you the exact figure of women who were abducted,” he said, adding there’s fear within the community over renewed attacks.

The bandits were said to have forced their way into a mosque, trapping dozens of worshippers who had gathered for prayers.

The attackers reportedly moved through the hall, selecting hostages and left the community in anguish.

“They came in again and looked up at the door of the mosque, trapping worshippers inside the mosque,” an eye witness volunteered.

The Press Secretary to the Chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, has reportedly confirmed the massacre, saying the incident occurred on Thursday.

“They victims are 40 in number. They entered about 5 houses in Magama under Kaboji and abducted women and men,” he told reporters.