Ramadan: Victims of banditry seek support in Niger

As Muslims commenced Ramadan fasting, victims of banditry whose foodstuffs were recently burnt down during an attack on the Allawa community in Niger State, have called for support from the state government and well-meaning individuals.

 Some of the victims, whose houses were set ablaze during the attack, told our correspondent on the telephone that they were currently squatting with others whose houses were not touched.

 One of the residents, Yahuza Allawa, said, ‘’Those whose houses and foodstuffs were set ablaze are living in critical condition. They need to be helped. They are now squatting in other people’s houses with their families.

“As Ramadan begins, without any help from the government, it won’t be easy. None of the victims had moved to IDP camps because of the poor state of the camps.”

One of the victims, Timothy Gwadabe, said, “My house was completely burnt down. I lost everything including food items I stored at home and cash. We were not able to take anything out. I lost 20 bags of maize and 30 bags of soya beans; they were all set ablaze in my store by bandits. I have N700, 000 cash in my room, it got burnt.”

Another victim, Musa Salisu, told City & Crime that, “My entire house was burnt down. Bags of maize in my store and the cash I have in my room were burnt but bandits. We want the government to come to our rescue. We are suffering.”

Residents appealed to both the state and federal governments to support them with food, especially during this holy month.