Bandits ambush Niger vigilantes, kill 17, lose three members

 Bandits ambush and kills 17 vigilantes in the Dukku town of the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State were, on Wednesday

The community vigilantes, however, killed three of the bandits too.

Disturbed by the incessant attacks by bandits, the Dukku community mobilized to take the battle to the hoodlums who were said to be camping in the Iri forests in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the plan to attack the bandits leaked, resulting in the bandits ambushing the vigilantes and killing 17 of them.

When contacted on the telephone, the Chairman of the Rijau Local Government Area, Bawa Bello, confirmed the incident.

He said, “Yes, it happened; we killed some of the bandits and the bandits killed some of our men.

“I have submitted a written report to the Commissioner for Local Government who is our boss. He should give you the details.”

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, could not be reached to comment on the details of the attack.

Also, the Niger State Police Command had not confirmed the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, facts emerged on Thursday that five persons, including a woman and a policeman, were killed, while 12 other people were abducted in Wednesday night’s attack on Kagara town.

The Chairman of the local government, Ismaila Modibo, who gave the figures in an interview with our correspondent, added that eight others sustained injuries.

Modibo said the bandits made a failed attempt to rob a first generation bank in the town.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Ahmed Ketso, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Usman, visited the town.

In a condolence message, the state governor appealed to the people to “remain calm as the government is on top of the security situation in the state.”

Bello commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attacks and prayed for speedy recovery for the injured victims.