Suspected
bandits have attacked a town in Munya local government area of Niger state
kidnapping the chief imam of Beni central mosque, Mallam Umar Mohammed.
Apart from
the Islamic clergyman, at least 20 other residents were kidnapped and taken
away by the bandits, according to a Daily Trust report.
It was
learnt that four residents also lost their lives following the attack carried
out by over 50 bandits as claimed by witnesses of the incident.
Other
residents who sustained injury are currently receiving treatment at the Kafin
Koro general hospital. The report said the bandits had moved from one community
to another in the state dispossessing the people of their property including
cattle. They then attacked Beni in Munya local government and Kudami in Paikoro
local government areas where they left people scampering or dead.
The report
added that the bandits were said to have experienced stiff resistance from the
residents in Kudami, but operated without hindrance in Beni.
Alhaji
Jafaru Umar Sarki, district head of Beni, confirmed the attacks saying it was
the second of such in three days. “They came three days ago and stole over 200
cows from Fulani Men. “So far, four people have been killed. They shot another
boy in the head and we don’t know if he will survive. They are so many in
number, I can’t count them and they are all with gun,” he said.
He said
security agents were told of the first attack and that the community thought
something would be done about it. “What is the essence of security if the
people’s lives and property are not save. This community is under siege at the
moment and we are helpless,” the traditional ruler, whose to daughters had
earlier been reportedly kidnapped, lamented.
. Governor
Sani Bello, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mary Noel Berje, suggested a
fresh approach by the security agencies in the way they handle such attacks.
