Bandits operating around Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State have been reportedly killed 10 farmers including women in an early Tuesday morning attack.
Residents of the communities said six of the victims had their heads cut off and attackers went away with their heads, according to Daily Trust.
Sources further said many people who sustained bullet wounds had been haspitalised at a clinic in Kagara, the Headquarters of Rafi LGA.
It was gathered that many people were also kidnapped during the attack.
Bala Tukur, a resident in the area, said many communities had all fled to Kagara town to avoid further attacks.
“At Wayam village near Madaka under Kagara town, they mercilessly killed 10 people and injured many. The way they killed us now is very traumatic, I swear. Everybody has fled.
“Many people have not been able to harvest 50 percent of their crops including maize that were ready for harvest and getting those crops harvested now would be hard.
“Recently, residents of Kukoki were asked to pay N1.5 million to be allowed to harvest their crops. They paid but bandits came back to attack them four days ago,” he said.
Similarly, it was learnt that 2 indian nationals had been kidnapped on a rice farm in Swashi, Borgu LGA on November 2.
A resident who preferred anonymity said one of the vigilantes guarding the farm was killed during the attack.
The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed said the state government was aware of the attacks.
“The Niger State Government is very much aware. All the security stakeholders have been mobilised to address the issue and prevent future reoccurrence,” he said.
Aminu Adamu is the Managing Editor at WikkiTimes, where he oversees editorial processes and contributes to impactful journalism. His reporting focuses on accountability at the grassroots level, climate change, and other underreported issues, particularly within subnational contexts.
Aminu has conducted investigative stories that have been cross-published by reputable media outlets, showcasing his dedication to uncovering critical issues and promoting transparency. In 2023, he was selected as a GovSpend Media Fellow, further cementing his expertise in tracking public spending and governance.
