•Governor Bago and bandits
Barely a week after Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, granted an exclusive interview on national television, assuring citizens and investors that the state was safe and free from hunger, suspected bandits have reportedly taken over several communities in the Akere axis of Zungeru, Wushishi Local Government Area.
The attackers, believed to be over 1,000 and riding motorcycles, invaded the area yesterday morning, reports Nigerian Tribune.
A source from the community, who requested anonymity, told our reporter that around 10 a.m., the armed bandits blocked the Minna/Kontagora highway at Kundu village — an area they frequently use.
Security operatives were unable to stop their movement as they crossed into Akere, heading toward Mashegu Local Government.
It was gathered that the bandits shot three people, killing a civilian and a vigilante. The third victim, also a civilian, was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, as many residents are still hiding in the bush in search of safety.
A community leader, also speaking anonymously, described the incident as unprecedented.
“This is the first time in our history that such a large number of bandits, heavily armed, have entered the area,” he said.
He added that the tension is overwhelming and that many residents — young and old, including pregnant women and children — have fled to Zungeru town for safety.
The leader called on both the state and federal governments to act swiftly by deploying security personnel to secure the area so that displaced residents can safely return to their homes and resume their normal lives.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he could not yet confirm the incident but promised to verify the report from the Zungeru area before making an official statement.
