Due to the invasion of some villages in Wushishi and Lavun local government areas of Niger State, farmers in the villages have reportedly fled their home.
The farmers were said to have deserted the communities in large numbers after news of the ivnvasion reached them on Friday night.
Sources said the bandits passed the night in Akare and Cheji in Wushishi local government area on Friday after the villagers ran to Wushishi town and the ancient town of Zungeru.
The Chairman, Niger State Vigilante Corps, Wushishi local government area, Ibrahim Iko-Iko said, “The bandits have been in this area since Friday, and they are still there. They have moved close to Lavun LGA. Some of them spent the night in Cheji village with the cattle they rustled. But no life was lost or kidnapped because residents had all fled their homes.”
He added that some of the fleeing farmers now squat with their relatives while others are camped in Kwata Primary School.
No statement has been issued by the Niger State Police Command regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, no fewer than seven persons have been recorded to have been abducted in Bungudu town, headquarters of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State as armed bandits invaded the town.
It was gathered that the terrorists arrived at the town located about 20 Kilometers away from Gusau, the State capital with heavily armed weapons and abducted seven persons including 2 males and 5 females, and also killed one person.
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A resident of the town, Alhaji Ibrahim Bungudu said the abductees were Prince Abdulrahman Hassan Attahiru, a son to the Emir of Bungudu; former State program officer of the IPAD, 3 wives of one businessman, Alhaji Umaru Sanda; wife of one Abdullahi Zubairu; and wife of one Hamisu Rabi’u.
He, however, said no ransom has been demanded by the kidnappers while families of the abducted have refused to speak to newsmen regarding the incident.
When contacted, a family member of one of the abducted persons who represents the Maru/Bungudu federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmalik Zubairu said the incident was devastating and regrettable, saying the government will do everything possible to ensure the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the state.
Recall that in the early hours of 7th of August 2023, bandits attacked divisional police headquarters in Bungudu and killed one ASP Nura Ibrahim who was to be decorated with a new rank (ASP) on that day.
The resurgence of banditry in Zamfara State is attracting the attention of all concerned authorities, especially, security agencies who also lose scores of personnel in active service.
The Police are yet to react to the recent reports of abduction in the state.