Bandits Storm Niger Community Kill 1, Kidnap 21 Others
After a respite of about six weeks, banditry has resurfaced in Niger communities, especially those villages adjoining Kaduna State.
The recent activities of the bandits were despite the posting of men of the local vigilante at the routes usually taken by the bandits which had stopped them from entering the state.
However, THISDAY learnt that between Friday and Saturday the bandits struck at Dangunu village taking away 21 Villagers and killing one person.
According to the findings the criminals first abducted five villagers before going to kidnap one Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Dangunu with his wives and children.
On their way out of the community it was gathered that the bandits released the first five villagers kidnapped but went away with Adamu and members of his family.
The heavily armed gunmen, THISDAY was told accessed the Dangunu by boat from the river between Chikun and the town. They were also said to have escaped with the family members through the same route.
An eyewitness said two years ago, Alhaji Adamu described as a big time farmer in the area was kidnapped and was released only after huge ransom was paid by his relation.
The latest incident, the eyewitness said might be the handiwork of informants since most farmers had completed the harvests of their crops.
However, reports from the Community on Sunday claimed Adamu was later killed by the gunmen and his remains dumped in the bush.
The eyewitness said the remains were brought to the community on Sunday afternoon amidst wailing by villagers, and expected to be buried according to Islamic rites later in the day.
Troops Repel Suspected Herdsmen Attack in Agatu
Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia, has disclosed that forces of the operation repelled the attack by suspected Fulani militias for several hours during an attack on some communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday.
The general, who said the troops engaged the invading armed herders in gun duel for three hours before they were finally repelled, claimed three security personnel were killed
The Force Commander said the three deceased comprised of two soldiers and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel,
He further disclosed that two other soldiers were wounded and receiving treatment at the Nigerian Air Force hospital in Makurdi.
He used the opportunity to intimate the troops of the support of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the conduct of their operations. The troops were also informed of the speedy recovery of the wounded soldiers taken to the hospital as a result of the incidence.
The Force Commander assured the governor of the commitment of the troops to continue to carry out the mandate and mission of the Force as aptly directed by the CDS for the security of life and properties in the Force Joint Operations Area.
