At least six (6) operatives of the Nigerian army and one local hunter were reportedly killed by bandits in Karaga and Rumace communities of Bassa ward in Shiroro local government area of Niger state over the weekend.
Two (2) farmers in the area were also reported to have been killed while houses, food banks and motorcycles were burnt by the attackers.
Local sources said the attack started at about 9pm on Friday night and lasted hours as the attackers ran rampage against helpless locals.
One of the sources on the ground who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed the story to reporters saying “six soldiers lost their lives and one volunteer hunter.”
Another source described the attack saying the assailants rode into the communities in high numbers, with each motorcycle carrying 3 people and they shot sporadically as they moved into the communities.
He said motorcycles, houses and food banks were set ablaze during the attack.
The Niger state police command is yet to issue a statement on the attack, the State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Bello Mohammed, however, said the government was making moves to ensure the perpetrators face the law.
“All hands are on deck to bring the perpetrators to face the law. The government, on its own, is doing everything possible to end the insecurity issues. Additionally, the government will stand by the bereaved and share their grief as well as support them, now and in the long term.”
