There is tension in Rijau town and surrounding villages in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, following reports that over 200 heavily armed bandits stormed the community, stealing people’s properties and rustling cattle.

According to Daily Post, an eyewitness revealed that the bandits, riding in groups of three on motorcycles, invaded communities between Mariga, a neighbouring local government and Rijau.

The assailants are said to have entered the area through neighbouring Zamfara State.

The gunmen reportedly moved from village to village with AK-47 rifles, terrorising residents and leaving a trail of destruction.

It was reported that the assailants operated freely, going house-to-house, stealing valuables, and forcing villagers to flee. Several residents said they lost cattle and personal belongings during the raid.

“They came in large numbers, riding motorcycles with three people on each. They were carrying AK-47s and moving through communities like a convoy, taking our cows and looting homes,” a terrified resident recounted.

Naijaonpoint understands that there is growing frustration among community members who say the security presence in the area is practically non-existent, apart from a handful of under-resourced vigilantes.

“We are disturbed about the lack of response to our situation by the state government and security agencies. We are appealing to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the State Police Command, and the Nigerian military to intervene and safeguard our communities from these constant attacks,” one resident told the media.

However, no official statement had been issued by the Niger State government or any security agency as of the time of filing this report.