Seven farmers, including a vigilante, lost their lives to a suspected bandit attack in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State. The tragic incident occurred as the victims attempted to transport harvested maize from their farmland.
According to eyewitnesses, the farmers had completed loading 50 bags of maize into a truck when the attackers, who had been lying in wait, struck. The bandits ambushed the farmers, killing all the occupants in the vehicle before setting both the truck and the maize on fire.
"The attackers waited until the victims had finished loading their harvest and were about to leave before they opened fire," a source revealed. "After killing them, they burned the truck with all the maize."
Residents of Mariga lamented that the increasing insecurity in the area has made it nearly impossible for farmers to harvest their crops this season. The violence and kidnappings have placed a heavy toll on agricultural activities, further threatening food security in the region.
In another related incident, a resident of Kontagora, identified as Mallam Danjuma, was killed after spending three weeks in captivity despite his family paying a ransom of ₦20 million. The news of his death was delivered to his family by an escapee from the kidnappers' den.
A resident of Kontagora, Yahaya Suleiman, described the worsening security situation, stating that kidnappings had become a daily occurrence in parts of the town over the past few weeks.
Confirming the attacks, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, detailed that vigilante men from Wamba and Yan-sakai were ambushed within the Makogi/Ungwan Elbi axis by suspected kidnappers on November 16, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.
In response, joint security operatives, including police and military tactical teams, have been mobilized to the affected areas. The police assured residents that efforts were being intensified to prevent further incidents and ensure a safe harvest season for farmers in the region.
The recent wave of violence underscores the pressing need for enhanced security measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods in Niger State.
