A fighter helicopter has been shot down by bandits who invaded Chukuba Ward in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The military Helicopter is said to be on a “Casualty Evacuation Mission” in the area.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the Helicopter was sent in from Kaduna to evacuate the military men killed by the bandits when it was shot down, Killing the pilot in the process.
Nigeriacrime.com also gathered that the criminals ambushed and killed 13 soldiers along the Zungeru – Tegina road in Madaka Ward of Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the attack, the Convener, Shiroro Concerned Youths, Mr Sanni Kokki said the unfortunate incident happened on Monday morning. Currently, villagers living around the area are all now moving towards Erena.
“This is another problem because people are being displaced from their traditional homes to unknown destinations.
“We are having another humanitarian crisis in our hands with the economic challenges confronting our people.”
Reacting to the incident when contacted, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East described the situation as highly unfortunate, however, called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency, despatch all its military and security arsenals to the troubled areas to save innocent lives and their property.
Senator Musa said, “This is a very serious situation happening at a time we are happy that the issue of banditry is subsiding in our various communities in Niger State.
“The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency, deploy all its arsenal to curtail further spread
“We have been having a reduction in cases of attacks but now it appears as if there is a serious escalation of the situation
“The most alarming situation now is that the attacks look like a planned work because the bandits are carrying out their operations simultaneously in many parts of Niger State.
“Government should please, as a matter of urgency, take drastic action on it and save lives and property of our people.”