Insecurity: Bandits Kill Three, Kidnap Two Rice Farmers in Niger State

October 22, 2024
1:54 pm

Insecurity remains a major challenge in parts of Nigeria, with a recent attack by bandits claiming the lives of three people and resulting in the kidnapping of two rice farmers in Niger State.

The attack occurred at about 9:00 am on Sunday, October 20, 2024, between Bangi and Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area. According to reports, the bandits blocked the road and began shooting at vehicles passing by.

Among those killed were a car driver, a young girl, and a man known as Alhaji Ibrahim. The victims were on their way to the local market when the bandits struck. The owner of the vehicle, Shehu Kotonkoro, confirmed the incident, voicing his concern about the lack of security in the area, as the attack took place just five kilometers from Kotonkoro.

In addition to the killings, two rice farmers who were working on their farm, about two kilometers from the town, were kidnapped by the bandits. Another vehicle transporting bread was also attacked during the incident.

The Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Abbas Musa Kasuwa-Garba, confirmed the attack the following day. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged the rising insecurity in the region. He explained that the area’s proximity to Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states has made it a target for frequent attacks, as bandits operate across the borders and retreat to their hideouts.

To further worsen the situation, bandits have imposed a levy of 11 million Naira on several villages in the Mariga Local Government Area. The villagers were told to pay the levy before they would be allowed to harvest their crops. Additionally, the bandits demanded ransom, motorcycles, food, and mobile phones in exchange for releasing previously kidnapped victims.

This attack is just one example of the ongoing insecurity plaguing parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where farmers and communities live in fear. Residents are calling for increased security presence and action to prevent further attacks and protect lives and livelihoods in the region.