61 bodies of security operatives and civilians recovered after bandits attack in Niger State communities

61 bodies of both security operatives and civilians k!lled by bandits on Tuesday at Bagna, Erena and other communities in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have been recovered from the bush.

Residents told Daily Trust that while the civilian victims have been buried in Erena, the remains of the security operatives have been deposited at the Minna General Hospital’s mortuary.

A resident of Erena, who preferred to remain anonymous, told the publication that the deceased comprised security operatives, including vigilantes, and civilians, though the police said only three vigilantes were k!lled.

Among those k!lled was Mr Manga, the vigilante commander.

Commander Manga was reportedly rescued alive but d!ed hours later on Tuesday due to the severity of gunshot injuries in a gun duel with the attackers.

While residents praised the security operatives for responding to the attackers, who were overpowered, they blamed the government for not acting on the intelligence.

Meanwhile, residents of Bassa in Bassa/Kukkoki ward of Shiroro LGA, on Thursday, vacated their homes following a rumour in circulation that bandits were assembling around the area to invade the community.

In videos being circulated on social media, residents, including women and children, were seen struggling to board canoes to safer areas.

Hundreds of residents were displaced following the Tuesday attack and are currently taking refuge in Zumba Central Primary School and other safer locations within Shiroro LGA.

Rabiu Iliyasu, one of the fleeing farmers, told the publication on the telephone that, “In the morning on Thursday, we just started seeing planes bombing the surroundings of our community, and the security operatives in our community felt they had to leave because they were not informed to avoid accidental killings.

“So, when they left, we all left because we had no one to protect us,” he said.

Suleiman Abdullahi, a resident of the area, also said that, “Rumours had it that the bandits were converging at a location close to Bassa and the security forces advised residents to take cover or move out of town.”