Bandits kill 3 travellers, kidnap 2 farmers in Niger

At least three people reportedly lost their lives on Bangi-Kotonkoro Road in Mariga LGA of Niger State when bandits opened fire on their vehicle.

Residents told City & Crime that the attack happened on Sunday morning when the victims were on their way to the market.

One of the locals, who preferred anonymity, said bandits blocked the road between Bangi and Kotonkoro and started shooting on the moving vehicles.

A survivor, Alhaji Shehu, said the driver of his vehicle, a lady and another victim identified as Alhaji Ibrahim were killed.

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Locals said farmers were also kidnapped while harvesting rice on their farm.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comments but the chairman of Mariga LGA, Abbas Musa Kasuwa- Garba, confirmed the incident.

He said attacks by bandits have become regular in the area due to the border with Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna states through Birinin Gwari.