In a tragic incident on Sunday, bandits killed three individuals and abducted two rice farmers in an attack in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred around 9 AM on the road between Bangi and Kotonkoro.
According to reports, the bandits blocked the road and opened fire on vehicles travelling along the route. Among the victims were a driver, a young girl, and a passenger identified as Alhaji Ibrahim, all of whom were reportedly on their way to the market when the attack happened.
Shehu Kotonkoro, the owner of the vehicle, confirmed the incident and expressed his frustration over the worsening security situation in the area. He noted that the attack took place a mere five kilometres from Kotonkoro.
In addition to the fatalities, two rice farmers who were working on their farm just two kilometres from the town were abducted by the assailants. The bandits also targeted another vehicle carrying bread during the assault.
The Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Abbas Musa Kasuwa-Garba, confirmed the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He expressed concern over the persistent insecurity in the region, attributing it to the area’s proximity to Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states, where bandits frequently launch attacks before retreating to their hideouts.
