Armed Assailants Strike Niger Community, Murder 75-Year-Old Woman

Amina Abu-Shaki, a 75-year-old widow of the Sarkin Noma (Chief Farmer) of Kabe Community, lost her life due to a bandit attack in Niger State.

The elderly woman was reportedly killed instantly while she was attempting to hide from the gunmen during their assault on the community late Tuesday evening at approximately 8 PM.

A local resident, Mallam Awwalu, informed Daily Trust that numerous attackers stormed the area around the same time, firing indiscriminately and causing panic among residents who fled for their safety.

Awwalu noted that Amina was discovered along the path taken by the bandits as they retreated from the community after the incident and was shot dead at that moment.

“The assailants invaded our village around 8 PM on Tuesday. They broke into several shops and stole food items and other valuables. Fortunately, no one else was kidnapped, but an elderly woman, around 75 years old, was shot and died immediately. She was shot at her hiding spot—from the underbrush,” he recounted.

He went on to mention that many surrounding villages are now abandoned due to ongoing assaults by bandits.

In a related attack that occurred in Damala village within the same local government area on Friday, four individuals were killed.

Sources reported that the attackers invaded Damala at approximately 8 PM, resulting in the death of four people and compelling other community members to evacuate their homes.

One informant shared that the attackers made off with livestock and other farm animals owned by the residents.

Additionally, places of worship and several homes were set ablaze during that siege.

Musa Saidu, the Disaster Officer for Borgu Local Government Area, confirmed the fatalities in Damala village.

In response to the rising insecurity, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has mandated that all inhabitants of villages bordering Kainji National Park vacate their dwellings within two months. This move is aimed at facilitating a security operation to eradicate the terrorists from the region.

During a visit to sympathize with Emir Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV in New Bussa regarding the recent attack in Kasuwan Daji market, where over 42 individuals, including traders, lost their lives, the governor stated that relocating residents is essential to prevent collateral damage.

His administration plans, in conjunction with the federal government, to clear the forests and eliminate the criminals utilizing the Kainji Lake area as a hideout, ensuring that the region becomes safe once again.

The Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, has promised to collaborate with the relevant authorities to locate and prosecute informants within his emirate.