Panic, Tension As Bandits Kill 55 Persons In Northern Nigeria

At least 55 people have been killed by bandits in Northern Nigeria, NewsDirect can report.

While 25 people were killed in Gatawa, a village in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State,  30 persons were killed by bandits at Kachiwe village, Sarkin Pawa in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

In Sokoto, the attackers were said to have raided the area on Tuesday night.

Though the number of army casualties could not be confirmed, three officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were confirmed to be among the casualties.

The bandits also burnt down two patrol vehicles and drove away another one which was used to convey food items stolen from the surrounding villages.

It was learnt that the bandits also attacked Katsira village, shot four persons and abducted three others from the community.

It was learnt that the gunmen from their hideouts in the dreaded Barnin Gwari forest in Kaduna State, stormed the village and other neighbouring communities.

Confirming the attack in Niger state, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the Niger State Government, urged residents to provide security agencies with credible information to enable them effectively tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Monday Bala Kuryas, the state police commissioner, said investigation had begun into the matter.

“A team of policemen has been despatched to the area to safeguard lives and property of people of Sarkin Pawa. Efforts are also on to track those involved in the criminal act,” he said.

He noted that three people were earlier killed in a similar attack on the Kagara Rafi Local Government Area of the state.