Bandits have assaulted three communities in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including security personnel. The impacted areas are Kumbashi, Bangi, and Mongoro. Reports indicate that the attack happened on Tuesday around 4:00 PM when the assailants, armed with advanced weapons, invaded the villages. It is believed that these gunmen, arriving on approximately 100 motorcycles, came from Zamfara State. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the fatalities included a police officer and two vigilantes, while numerous others suffered injuries. A local source suggested that the attack may have been retaliatory, potentially linked to a recent Air Force operation that caused significant losses to the bandits’ camp. The attackers also damaged a communication tower, causing disruptions in connectivity for the affected communities. The chairman of Mariga LGA, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed the incident but was unable to specify the number of casualties due to the ongoing tension caused by the bandits’ presence in the area. As of the time of reporting, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, was unavailable for comment.
