Bandits have killed at least 10 farmers, including women and a Chinese national in Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
Residents reported that six of the victims were beheaded, with the attackers leaving with their heads.
Many injured residents were taken to a clinic in Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi LGA, Daily Trust reports.
The assault occurred around 5am on Tuesday, during the morning prayers.
According to Bala Tukur, a resident, “At Wayam village near Madaka under Kagara town, they mercilessly killed 10 people and injured many. The way they killed us now is very traumatic, I swear. Everybody has fled.”
He further explained that “many people have not been able to harvest 50 percent of their crops including maize.”
Recently, Kukoki villagers were forced to pay N1.5 million to harvest their crops, but the bandits returned just days later.
Local sources reported an increase in attacks as farmers across Wushishi, Rafi, Shiroro, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs began harvesting.
On Friday, bandits invaded Zungeru, Wushishi LGA, moving through homes and a hotel, kidnapping occupants.
A Zungeru resident said, “Around 12 a.m. on Saturday, bandits invaded Zungeru town… they took Saidu Yakubu, known as Abacha, and his wife.”
In a statement, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, acknowledged the incidents, saying, “The Niger State Government is very much aware. All the security stakeholders have been mobilised.”
When SaharaReporters contacted Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, he said he needed time to confirm the report.
Sahara Reporters