Bandits kill 10 Niger residents, burn houses

Scores of bandits riding on motorcycles invaded a farming community in Niger State and killed no fewer than 10 residents, including women and children.

The bandits were said to have slaughtered some of the women who refused to be raped by the gunmen.

The PUNCH learnt that the incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday when the residents were preparing for their farms.

According to a source who declined to be mentioned for fear of attack by the bandits, the incident occurred in the Wayam community of Sabon-Gari District in the Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
The source said the bandits, numbering over 50, rode on motorcycles and were shooting sporadically to scare away intruders.

The source said some of the bandits who tried to rape the victims but were denied went ahead and slaughtered the women while others proceeded to set houses, shops and barns ablaze.

“The bandits came into the village very early in the morning. They were riding on motorcycles in large numbers and shooting sporadically to scare the villagers.
“Some of them burnt houses and barns. At least 10 people were killed. Some died from bullet wounds.

“Some women who refused to be raped were slaughtered. They attacked us for several hours and there was no security presence throughout the time,” the source said.
A source in the community who also pleaded anonymity for fear of attack told The PUNCH that the community was currently deserted following the attack.

He disclosed that all the deceased had been buried amidst the tears of their loved ones.

According to the source, the attackers always retreated to Kaduna State anytime they attacked the communities, as the affected towns bordered Kaduna, especially the Birnin Gwari axis of the state.

“The community has been deserted by residents fearing for their lives. No security personnel have come here. When they finished the attack, the bandits retreated to the Birnin Gwari axis of Kaduna State which borders the Wayam community,” the source said.

Six months ago bandits had attacked the Madaka community, a few kilometres from Wayam community, killing no fewer than 60 residents.
When The PUNCH contacted the Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, he said he would find out and get back.

“I will find out and get back to you,” Abiodun said on the telephone.

At the time of filing this report, Abiodun had not returned the call or replied to the message sent to his WhatsApp.