A wave of terror swept through Munya Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday as armed bandits launched a brutal attack on several communities, killing scores of residents and rustling more than 200 cattle.
The affected villages Zagzaga, Chibani, and Kuch were left in devastation as over 100 heavily armed assailants stormed the areas in a coordinated assault. Witnesses say the bandits moved from one community to another, shooting indiscriminately, setting houses ablaze, and looting food supplies.
Many villagers were reportedly killed in the attack, while several others were abducted. Survivors fled into the surrounding forests and neighboring towns, seeking refuge from the violence.
It was also gathered that a camp of the Joint Security Task Force stationed in Kuchi community was set on fire by the gunmen even as the security force fled for their lives.
Sources from the affected communities alleged that the marauding gunmen had gathered at Kusasu community in Shiroro Local Government Area, which shares border with Munya before the attack.
The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maj-Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), who confirmed the attack said, “There has been incidents of bandit attacks in the area. However, I have not yet received a detailed report regarding this specific attack.”
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, decried the attack, saying “The act is barbaric, wicked, and inhumane. These enemies of the people have continued to carry out relentless attacks on innocent villagers.”
Vatsa lamented the activities of local informants, saying they have continued to frustrate government’s efforts in bringing the security challenges under control to ensure meaningful development in the state.
Efforts to reach the Chairman of Munya Local Government, Aminu Najume, failed as he could not be reached.
