Bandits attack Niger, Benue community, leaves over 20 dead

Over 20 people are said to have died in the attack on the Madaka hamlet in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, according to additional information that surfaced on Friday.

The ambush on Thursday was reported to have claimed the lives of two monarchs and the commander of the local vigilance organisation. The bandits were also reported to have taken control of two other settlements, setting fire to homes and businesses.

It was said that the gunman broke into the village on Thursday at around 3 p.m. and opened fire randomly, killing and wounding a large number of people.

The attack also claimed the lives of Commander Iko, the Deputy Commander of the vigilance group in the area under the Madaka District of Rafi, and Saleh Kakuri, the Village Head of the Madaka community.

The bandits also broke into the Majanjan district, taking advantage of Salihu Immahuri, the head of the hamlet, his counterpart in Anguwan Bala, and his two wives, killing them.

The dead ruler's brother, Adamu Immahuri, and his four wives, Shehu Salihu, and Jamilu Isah, were among the dead.

A resident of the community who spoke under condition of anonymity said, “Over 30 bodies have been recovered by the villagers. The bandits attacked the communities at about 3:30 pm on Thursday and operated for hours without response from security agencies.