Bandits strike in Niger again, kills five soldiers, two others

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.Kill ex-councillor, other in Kaduna

Seven persons, including five military officers and one Civil Defence Officer have been killed in recent bandit attacks in five communities in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

Ten others were said to have been kidnapped with seven motorcycles stolen and some military vehicles burnt during the attack.

The communities include Allawa, Manta, Gurmana, Bassa and Kokki.

It was learnt the attacks occurred on Wednesday and Thursday morning.

A lot of injured villagers are receiving treatment in various health centers in Shiroro local government area.

It was learnt the bandits stormed the Allawa camp of the Joint Security Task Force at about 2 am on Thursday and opened fire on the officials, including Army, Police, Civil Defence and Vigilantes killing five Soldiers and one Civil Defence Officer.

Several others sustained injuries.

The bandits on Wednesday also attacked Manta, Gurmana and Bassa villages where one person identified as Alhaji Sale was killed and four others kidnapped.

The President, Shiroro youth movement, Sani Idris, confirmed the incidents.

The Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki also confirmed the incidents, saying the security personnel killed were taken unawares.

He said the Joint Security Task Force camp was burnt down by the bandits and a lot of the officers sustained gunshot injuries.

The Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, did not pick his call.

 Also,on Thursday,  the Kadina State Government  said suspected bandits killed a former councilor and one other in Birnin Gawri and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The Commissioner for  Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the killing in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna.

Aruwan said: “Security agencies reported that armed bandits killed a  former Councillor of Gayam Ward, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

He said he was attacked and killed while working on his farm in Ungwan Fada, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

He also said that in a separate incident, one other person, was killed by bandits at Kasuwan Magani general area of Kajuru..

“Also, troops under the auspices of Operation Safe Haven have reported that a mob attacked some herders and their cattle along the Mabushi Cattle route in Zangon Kataf Kocal Government Area.

According to the report, the herders, who were in the employ of a person  of Bakin Kogi, Kauru, were moving their cattle from Fadan Kaje to Bakin Kogi via the cattle route, when they were attacked.

The mob, in large numbers and wielding machetes and other weapons were repelled by troops who responded to a distress call.

Aruwan said ,the  troops provided security cover for the herders to recover their scattered cattle.

“All the cows were recovered, save one which was later found dead in a swamp, one cow was also wounded with a machete cut.

“One of the hearder sustained an injury from being pelted over his right eye.

“He was taken to hospital where he was treated and discharged.”he said.

He added that,the troops escorted the herders to their destination in Bakin Kogi, Kauru to prevent further tension.

The Commissioner said Gov. Nasir -el-Rufai prayed for the repose of the souls of the slain and sent condolences to their families.

He said the governor thanked the troops for their prompt intervention against the mob.

He appealed for calm and directed that security be intensified in the general area.

While wishing the injured person  a full recovery, he also tasked security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the attack.

“Investigations into the incident are in progress. “Aruwan said