Bandits Kill Dozens Of Vigilantes In Niger

Many members of the vigilantes group known as ‘Yan Sa Kai’ were reportedly killed by bandits during a clash in the Dogon-Dawa community in Mariga LGA of Niger State.

The incident happened on Saturday morning when the bandits attempted to launch an attack on the communities in the area.

The vigilantes were said to have trailed the bandits to their hideout and were ambushed on their way.

Confirming the incident to Daily Trust, the chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Abbas Kasuwar Garba, said he could not give the number of casualties until search and rescue operations were completed.

He expressed concern over the security situation, saying they had enjoyed peace before, but attacks had resumed when residents were preparing for the farming season.

He said, “Before this latest incident, we had been enjoying relative peace and we are happy that our farmers would be able to return to their farms this year after being denied access to farming for the past few years.

“But with this development, we are not happy, but the government will take action. I want people to be calm.”
However, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, while speaking to the publication mentioned above, said the attack did not happen in Niger State.