Bandits stormed Baga community in Shiroro LGA, Niger State, killing five people and abducting around 150 others after setting several homes on fire.
A source in the community told Vanguard that the attackers came armed with sophisticated guns and even used bombs to terrorize the villages.
Many villagers who tried to escape into the bush were shot, while others were captured. The source added, “The gunmen are many and are believed to have entered the community from neighbouring Kaduna state to wreak havoc.”
Local vigilante members who tried to fight back were also shot and rushed to the hospital with various injuries.
The source said, “We can see thick smoke in different parts of the communities, which is an indication that Baga and neighbouring villages had been set ablaze.”
Security forces have been sent to the area to rescue the kidnapped villagers and restore peace, Vangaurd gathered.
Shiroro LGA Chairman, Mr. Ishyaku Bawa, confirmed the attack in a phone chat with journalists. He said, “Yes, bandits invaded the community, and some villagers were killed, while some were injured. We are presently in the hospital to attend to those injured, and I cannot give more details for now.”
