Gunmen Lay Siege to Communities in Three Local Govts in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Gunmen have laid siege to  communities in three local government areas in Niger State, killing and abducting some of the villagers in the process.

The affected local government areas are Munya, Shiroro and Rafi.

Reliable sources told THISDAY that not less than 900 of the gunmen have settled in communities in Sarkinpawa headquarters of the local government area. They reportedly stormed the local government areas on about 600 motorcycles with all the bandits carrying AK-47 rifles.

It was said that these gunmen have surrounded Pai and Dangunu villages where they abducted 40 people mostly women and children.

It was learnt that the authorities of the local government have sent SoS to the Special Security Task Force (SSTF) in Minna.

THISDAY was told that the gunmen have threatened to kill and kidnap as many people as possible because of the killing of their leader, Mr. Ali Kachala.

A reliable source said that not less than two people were killed on Monday and 25 others kidnapped in Pandogari and Allawa communities in the Rafi Local Government after which the bandits reportedly encircled the communities making it almost impossible for the villagers to leave the towns.

The action of the gunmen was said to be a reaction to the neutralisation of some bandits by men of the SSTF last Friday.

It was learnt that the gunmen have also extended their nefarious activities to Kaffinkoro in Shiroro Local Governments.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, General Garba Mohammed (rtd) did not respond to calls made to his cell phone for confirmation of the story while the chairman of the local government, Mr. Aminu Najume, could not be reached on his cell phone.

Also, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comments.