Gunmen kill 7 farmers in Niger

Around seven farmers, including a vigilante, were killed.50 bags of maize loaded in a truck were also burned by suspected bandits in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.

Eyewitnesses on Saturday reported that the victims had gone to transport their harvested maize when the bandits ambushed them. The attackers killed all the occupants of the truck and set both the vehicle and its contents ablaze.

A source disclosed, “The farmers had loaded 50 bags of maize into the truck and were about to leave for home when the bandits opened fire on them. After killing the victims, they burned the truck and its contents.”

The source added that farming in Mariga has been severely disrupted this year due to persistent killings and kidnappings by bandits.

In a related incident, terrorists reportedly killed Mallam Danjuma, a resident of Kontagora, after his family paid a ransom of N20 million. Danjuma, who had been held captive for three weeks, was confirmed dead by another victim who escaped from the kidnappers’ den.

Yahaya Suleiman, a resident of Kontagora, lamented the growing frequency of kidnappings in the area, describing them as a daily occurrence in recent weeks.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack on the farmers. According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the incident occurred on November 16 around 3 p.m. when vigilantes from Wamba/Yan-sakai were ambushed by suspected kidnappers in the Makogi/Ungwan Elbi area.

Abiodun stated, “Unfortunately, the ambush resulted in the loss of lives. However, joint security operatives, including police and military tactical teams, have been mobilized to the area to prevent further attacks and ensure a safe harvest season.”