Once again, the Mashegu local government area of Niger state has been invaded by bandits, resulting in the abduction of two policemen, the deaths of two villagers, and the kidnapping of at least 32 other individuals. The incident took place on Sunday evening, as the bandits attacked Ibbi Police station in Mashegu, overpowered those on duty, and took two policemen hostage. Following this, the bandits reportedly looted the station’s armoury, stealing arms and ammunition.
A reliable source from the area confirmed the incident and stated that the abducted villagers were taken to Ibbi forest. The source further disclosed that the attack occurred just 24 hours after an unidentified aircraft had been spotted hovering around the community and police station. The bandits later attacked several other villages, including Ibbi and Mazakuka towns. According to reports, 15 of the abducted individuals are from Mazakuka town, while nine are from Ibbi town. Unfortunately, all of the abductees, including the two policemen, were taken into the forest and have yet to be traced.
Local vigilantes from Mokwa and New Bussa trailed the bandits into the forest and engaged them in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours. However, the commander of the vigilante group was killed by the bandits, and several bandits were also reported to have been killed by the vigilante members. The remains of the commander have been buried in his village.
Efforts made to contact the Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian, Mr. Emmanuel Umar, and the spokesman of the State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful.
The Mashegu local government area has experienced several attacks in the past two months, leading to the deaths of seven people and the abduction of 26 others. The Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Umar Igede, has raised alarm over the constant attacks and has called on the government to come to their aid. The villagers have been forced to flee their ancestral homes and take refuge in the Internally Displaced Peoples Camp (IDP), thereby increasing the camp’s population.
Comments are closed.