Over 50 Bandits kill 4, kidnaps Chief imam and 20 other residents in Niger state
Mayhem reigned temporarily on Wednesday 8, as suspected bandits attacked a town in Munya local government area of Niger state kidnapping the chief imam of Beni central mosque, Mallam Umar Mohammed.
Apart from the Islamic clergyman, at least 20 other residents were kidnapped and taken away by the bandits, according to a Daily Trust report.
It was learnt that four residents also lost their lives following the attack carried out by over 50 bandits as claimed by witnesses of the incident.
Governor Sani Bello describes the attack as unfortunate
Other residents who sustained injury are currently receiving treatment at the Kafin Koro general hospital.
The report said the bandits had moved from one community to another in the state dispossessing the people of their property including cattle.
They then attacked Beni in Munya local government and Kudami in Paikoro local government areas where they left people scampering or dead.
The report added that the bandits were said to have experienced stiff resistance from the residents in Kudami, but operated without hindrance in Beni.
Alhaji Jafaru Umar Sarki, district head of Beni, confirmed the attacks saying it was the second of such in three days.
“They came three days ago and stole over 200 cows from Fulani Men. This morning, they came again in their numbers. As I speak to you now, they are busy looting shops and moving from house to house and collecting people’s property.
“So far, four people have been killed. They shot another boy in the head and we don’t know if he will survive. They are so many in number, I can’t count them and they are all with gun,” he said.
He said security agents were told of the first attack and that the community thought something would be done about it.
“What is the essence of security if the people’s lives and property are not save. This community is under siege at the moment and we are helpless,” the traditional ruler, whose to daughters had earlier been reportedly kidnapped, lamented
In its reaction, the state government described the attack as saddening and unfortunate.
Governor Sani Bello, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mary Noel Berje, suggested a fresh approach by the security agencies in the way they handle such attacks.
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