By Divine Sam
Tragedy in Niger State: Bandits Kill Villagers, Burn Homes, and Rustle Cattle
Armed bandits have unleashed terror on communities in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving dozens dead and abducting several others. The heavily armed assailants, numbering over 100, struck on Tuesday, targeting the villages of Zagzaga, Chibani, and Kuch.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers moved systematically from one community to the next, setting houses ablaze, looting food supplies, and rustling over 200 cattle. In a particularly bold move, the gunmen reportedly torched a camp belonging to the Joint Security Task Force in Kuchi, forcing security operatives to flee.
Residents say the attackers had mobilized from Kusasu community in Shiroro Local Government Area, which borders Munya, before launching the coordinated assault.
Maj-Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed the incident, stating, “There have been reports of attacks in the area, but I am yet to receive a full briefing on this specific event.”
Reacting to the violence, the governor’s Special Adviser on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, condemned the attack as “barbaric, wicked, and inhumane,” expressing concern over the persistent activities of local informants who undermine government security efforts.
Attempts to contact the Chairman of Munya Local Government, Aminu Najume, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The tragic incident adds to the growing insecurity in the region, sparking renewed calls for decisive government intervention to protect vulnerable rural communities.