Suspected bandits have unleashed a wave of violence on the Madaka community within Niger State's Rafi Local Government Area, claiming the lives of at least 21 individuals, including the village head.
The attack unfolded abruptly around 3 pm on Thursday, amidst the bustling activity of the community market, resulting in a devastating toll of casualties. Approximately 50 residences, numerous commercial establishments, and several vehicles were engulfed in flames, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation.
Eyewitness accounts describe the assailants descending upon the village with ruthless gunfire, indiscriminately snuffing out lives and reducing the once-thriving market to ashes. Additionally, they callously abducted an unknown number of villagers, spiriting them away to an undisclosed location.
Alhaji Isah Bawale, a respected district head, confirmed the horrifying events in a solemn telephone interview from Minna, the state capital. This tragic incident marks a grim recurrence, as the community had previously suffered a similar attack, resulting in the untimely death of a former district head.
Shockingly, Madaka has been without adequate security presence since that fateful day, leaving its residents vulnerable to the whims of marauding bandits who operate with impunity.
Efforts to obtain clarification and assurance from the Niger State Police Command, through Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, were met with promises of verification and follow-up, with no response forthcoming at the time of this report.
The Niger State Government's silence on the matter has raised concerns about the measures being taken to protect vulnerable communities like Madaka from such brazen acts of violence.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the recent surge of kidnappings and violent activities in the region, urging the Federal government to take urgent and decisive action to address the menace. The Forum, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, pledges unwavering commitment to finding a lasting solution to this crisis and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.
