Bandits strike again, leave six dead in Niger farming community

By Rita Iliya

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the killing of six persons following an attack by suspected bandits in Damala village, via Wawa in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this on Saturday in Minna, noting that the incident occurred around noon on Thursday.

According to Abiodun, a farmer identified as Deshi and his son, both residents of Wawa, were travelling to Damala village to visit workers on their farm when they were ambushed by the assailants.

Damala village is located close to the Wawa National Park forest.

He explained that while the farmer’s son managed to escape and return home to alert family members and other residents, efforts to rescue his father led to further tragedy.

Relatives of the victim, accompanied by some vigilante members, reportedly mobilised to the area in search of Deshi but were also attacked by the bandits.

Abiodun said security operatives were deployed to the scene on Friday at about 9:00 a.m., where six bodies were recovered.

He added that investigations were ongoing, while security patrols had been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks. (NAN)