Suspected bandits killed seven farmers, including a vigilante, and burned 50 bags of maize in Bangi, Niger State. The ambush occurred as the farmers transported their harvest. Another victim, Mallam Danjuma, was killed despite a ₦20 million ransom. Authorities are deploying security to curb escalating violence in the region.
Seven farmers, including a vigilante, were killed, and 50 bags of maize were burned by suspected bandits in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The victims were ambushed while transporting their harvested maize home.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers struck after the farmers had loaded the maize into a truck, opening fire on them and subsequently setting the truck ablaze. "The farmers had just completed loading the maize when the bandits ambushed them. They killed all the occupants and destroyed the truck and its contents," a source reported.
This attack highlights the severe challenges faced by farmers in Mariga, who have struggled to harvest crops due to escalating violence and kidnappings in the region.
In another incident in Niger State, a resident of Kontagora, Mallam Danjuma, was killed after being held captive for three weeks, despite his family paying a ₦20 million ransom. The grim news of his death was relayed by another victim who managed to escape from the kidnappers' den.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the killing of the farmers. He stated that vigilantes were ambushed in Makogi/Ungwan Elbi, resulting in fatalities. Security forces, including police and military tactical teams, have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks and secure the ongoing harvest season.
