Suspected bandits have killed at least seven farmers, including a vigilante, and set ablaze a truck carrying 50 bags of maize in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to eyewitnesses, the farmers had gone to retrieve their harvested maize from the farm when the armed assailants ambushed them. The attackers reportedly waited until the maize was loaded into the truck before opening fire, killing all the occupants and torching the vehicle along with the maize.
A source said, “Bandits have killed seven of our farmers who had gone to farm to bring the maize they had harvested home. The attackers hid and waited until after the victims had loaded the 50 bags of maize into the truck and were about to take off to return home when they opened fire on them. After killing the victims, they also set the truck and the 50 bags of maize already loaded ablaze.”
Residents of Mariga lamented that the ongoing insecurity in the region had made it nearly impossible for farmers to safely harvest their crops this year.
In a separate but equally tragic incident, terrorists reportedly killed a Kontagora resident, Mallam Danjuma, after collecting a N20 million ransom from his family. Danjuma, who spent three weeks in captivity, was killed despite the payment.
A source revealed that the news of Danjuma’s death was brought to his family by an escaped victim. Yahaya Suleiman, a resident of Kontagora, added, “Kidnapping has become a daily occurrence in some parts of the town in recent weeks.”
Confirming the attacks, SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, stated, “On 16th November, around 3 pm, vigilante men from Wamba/Yan-sakai were ambushed within Makogi/Ungwan Elbi by suspected kidnappers, unfortunately causing the loss of lives of some of the members.”
Abiodun noted that joint security forces, including police and military tactical teams, had been mobilized to the area to prevent further attacks and ensure farmers could safely complete their harvest.
