Many flee as bandits sack Niger communities

Bandits attacked communities in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, this weekend, forcing resident to flee.

No fewer than six communities were reportedly affected in the attack that started on Saturday evening and continued up till Sunday evening.

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The attack came a week after Governor Sani Bello assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of security to enable them return to their communities.

When contacted, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, said he was already preparing a statement on the incident.

A resident, Shehu Abubakar, said bandits besieged Sarkin Pawa-Minna road where many communities were sacked.

“As I speak with you now, (around 8pm, Sunday) they are still on Sarkin Pawa-Minna Road operating. People have started retuning home and the bandits decided to strike again.”

“Some of our people in Minna who wanted to return today were trapped; we communicated with them and told them not to come back again,” he said.

Another resident, Mr. Makama Shekwo’aga, said “The IDPs were told to go back to their villages recently, that security had been provided.

“Yesterday evening bandits in large numbers invaded Kuchi/Chibani axis in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, displacing people and looting shops. Fuka, Dandaudu, Mararaba, Kuchi, Chibani, Injita axis are practically all empty as people have continued to flee to Gwada in Shiroro Local Government Area.”