A bandit attack on Sunday in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State resulted in the deaths of three individuals and the abduction of two rice farmers.
The assault occurred around 9:00 AM on the road between Bangi and Kotonkoro, where the perpetrators, suspected to be bandits, blocked the route and opened fire on vehicles passing through.
Among those killed were a car driver, a young girl, and a passenger known as Alhaji Ibrahim, who were en route to the market at the time.
Shehu Kotonkoro, the vehicle’s owner, confirmed the incident and expressed his worries about the security situation in the area, noting that the attack occurred just five kilometers from Kotonkoro.
Additionally, two rice farmers were kidnapped while they were working in their field, located approximately two kilometers from the town.
The assailants also targeted another vehicle transporting bread during the incident.
The Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Abbas Musa Kasuwa-Garba, confirmed the attack and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
He mentioned the ongoing insecurity plaguing the area, largely due to its proximity to Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states, which are frequently targeted by bandits who retreat to their camps afterwards.