Residents of several communities in Niger and Kwara states have fled their homes following renewed attacks by bandits. In Niger State, the invasion occurred on Monday in Mariga Local Government Area (LGA), forcing hundreds of villagers to abandon their homes.
According to eyewitnesses, the armed bandits stormed multiple communities around 11 a.m. and operated until about 5 p.m., rustling cattle and terrorizing locals. During the raid, children fishing by a river were reportedly abducted, while a farmer was shot near Dusai village.
Displaced residents from Ragada and surrounding villages are now taking refuge in Gulbin-Boka, also within Mariga LGA. Survivors narrated harrowing experiences as they escaped.
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Ibrahim Ayuba, a resident of Ragada, told Daily Trust that he and his seven-month-pregnant wife trekked over 20 kilometers to safety. “We trekked about 20 km from Ragada to Gulbin-Boka. This is her first pregnancy. The attackers came through Kumbashi, passed Kakihum, and moved to Sarkin-Dutse and several other villages, rustling many cattle along the way. On their route, they abducted some children fishing and killed a farmer at Dusai village,” he recounted.
Similarly, Larai, a mother of six, described the difficulties she faced fleeing with her children. “I had to carry two of my children on my back and shoulders to cross the river because there were not enough canoes. We suffered a lot on the way. A good Samaritan gave us N800, which we used to buy gari and kuli-kuli. Right now, we desperately need food and soap to bathe,” she said.
Other residents, including Amina from Ragada, said they fled on empty stomachs as the bandits struck before breakfast. “My children are crying. We appeal to the government to provide a lasting solution to this banditry,” she pleaded.
Children were also caught in the chaos. Seven-year-old Rabiu revealed that he nearly drowned while attempting to cross the river, while 13-year-old Zairu shared a similar ordeal.
From Mazami village, Samaila reported that entire communities have been deserted. “There is nobody in my village now. They almost cordoned off our communities before we escaped. As I speak, I don’t know where my family is. Everyone ran in different directions,” he lamented.
Confirming the incident, Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), stated that security operatives had since taken control of the situation.
Kwara State Communities Deserted After Attacks
In a related development, residents of Ndanaku in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State have abandoned their community due to bandit incursions. The attack comes only weeks after similar violence in Babanla, Ifelodun LGA.
The mass exodus follows the recent arrest of two notorious kingpins, Mahmuda and Ansar, who were said to have terrorized parts of Kwara, Niger, and neighboring states. Despite some security successes in southern Kwara, fresh attacks have left thousands displaced.
Locals reported that over 1,000 people fled from Ndanaku and nearby villages, including Mari, Dina, Kakafu, Lile, Edogi, Chapa, Yekosa, Gadaworo, Lalagi, and Kanworo.
A viral video captured by a resident who sneaked into Ndanaku showed deserted homes and empty streets. The narrator explained: “This community had about one thousand residents, but now no one is left because of persistent attacks. Three villagers are currently in captivity with ransom demands running into hundreds of millions. Our church, which holds over a thousand worshippers, is empty. Farmers cannot even go to harvest crops for fear of abduction.”
He appealed to government authorities at all levels for urgent intervention. “Bandits now target anyone with a new motorcycle. They monitor movements and attack with sophisticated weapons. How can we defend ourselves against such firepower?” he asked.
Residents say farming has been paralyzed, with crops left unharvested and families scattered. James Ibrahim, a villager, confirmed that about seven communities remain under siege. “The attacks continue. In some places, they kidnapped three people, in others two. Five people have been abducted from Ndanaku alone in the last three days. Farmers have abandoned their fields and moved to towns,” he said.
He further disclosed that security forces were yet to intervene directly in the villages. “Soldiers are stationed only in Patigi town. What we need is a permanent security presence here, especially as this area borders Kogi State with many hideouts for criminals,” James added.
Commander Gina Gana, a local vigilante leader, corroborated that two coordinated attacks occurred three days earlier, forcing mass desertions.
Government Response
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently met with stakeholders in Ifelodun LGA, assuring residents of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity. “We are working with the National Security Adviser and security agencies to eliminate threats across Ifelodun, Patigi, and Edu,” he said.
While urging communities to remain hopeful, the governor cautioned that negative publicity could affect investment prospects in the state.
The chairman of Patigi LGA, Hajji Femi Yusuf, emphasized the need to track down not just the attackers but also their sponsors and informants. Elder Oyin Zubair, speaking for displaced residents, appealed for government support, expressing optimism that current deployments would restore peace.
A government statement on Monday night confirmed that dozens of criminals were neutralized in a fresh operation around Baba Sango and Oro River near Babanla. According to security sources, the operation began Sunday night and lasted into Monday morning, with several bandits killed. Air assets were also deployed, and no security personnel casualties were reported.
