No fewer than 19 persons are feared dead with several people reported missing in a fresh attack by bandits in Magami, a village in Shiroro Local Government of Niger State.
Four bandits were among those that reportedly lost their lives in the attack.
Daily Trust gathered that the attack, which took place on Thursday, was a reprisal to the recent casualties recorded on the part of bandits during a confrontation with local hunters and vigilantes.
A resident, Sani Kokki, told our correspondent that bandits launched the attack after hunters and local vigilantes had returned to their base at Galadima Kogo.
He said, “The syndicate returned like wounded lions, killing people at sight. They murdered and butchered their victims with dangerous weapons. Unfortunately, the unarmed, peaceful and defenceless locals are now at the receiving end.”
According to him, six people were confirmed dead at Unguwan Magiro under Madaka ward, Rafi Local Government Area; four people at Farin Hula and five at Magami and environs, all under Manta ward.
It was gathered that many villagers were taking refuge in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro Local Government, which is considered a safer ground.
The Niger State Police Command could not, however, confirm the attack as calls put through to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wasiu Abiodun, were not answered. He did not also reply the text message sent to him by our correspondent.
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