Banditry: Farmers flee villages in Niger as bandits allegedly invade communities

Some farmers have reportedly fled their homes from villages in Wushishi and Lavun local government areas of Niger State due to the movement of bandits in the area.

The alleged invasion and escape of villagers happened Friday night when bandits were alleged to have moved to the communities in large numbers.

Residents were said to have fled their homes in the heavy rain to escape the onslaught of the terrorists.

Sources said the bandits passed the night in Akare and Cheji in Wushishi local government area on Friday after the villagers ran to Wushishi town and the ancient town of Zungeru.

Ibrahim Iko-Iko, the Chairman, Niger State Vigilante Corps, Wushishi local government area said, “The bandits have been in this area since Friday, and they are still there. They have moved close to Lavun LGA. Some of them spent the night in Cheji village with the cattle they rustled. But no life was lost or kidnapped because residents had all fled their homes.”

He added that some of the fleeing farmers now squat with their relatives while others are camped in Kwata Primary School.

No statement has been issued by the Niger State Police Command regarding the incident.