In yet another chilling display of banditry, over 100 armed men laid siege to three communities in Munya Local Government Area on Tuesday evening, leaving scores feared dead and entire villages devastated.
The attackers, who stormed Zagzaga, Chibani, and Kuchi in a coordinated assault, unleashed terror for three consecutive hours—from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—looting homes, carting away foodstuffs, and making away with more than 200 cattle.
Residents recounted the harrowing ordeal, describing how the bandits moved from house to house, setting properties ablaze and firing sporadically, forcing villagers to flee into nearby forests for safety.
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the attack was the destruction of a Joint Task Force (JTF) camp in Kuchi.
Security operatives reportedly abandoned their post in the face of overwhelming numbers, allowing the bandits to raze the camp unchallenged.
A decomposing corpse of one of the attackers was later discovered in the community, believed to have been left behind by his fleeing accomplices.
Locals expressed frustration, revealing they had spotted the bandits hours before the attack and attempted to notify authorities.
“We saw them gathering in Kusasu and sent word to our contact in Minna to alert the government, but no action was taken,” one resident lamented. “They loitered in the bush for more than five hours before launching the attack. They were so many, and all on motorcycles.”
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When contacted, Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maj-Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd) confirmed he was aware of an incident in the area but noted that he was yet to receive detailed information.
Efforts to speak with the Munya Local Government Chairman, Aminu Najume, proved unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
In response to the attack, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, condemned the incident, attributing the brazen assault to the collaboration between criminal elements and local informants.
“Despite our security efforts, these enemies continue to attack with the help of insiders. But we will not relent. The government remains resolute in its duty to protect lives and property,” Vatsa said in a statement.
The latest attack underscores the worsening insecurity in Niger State and across Nigeria’s northwest, where rural communities remain vulnerable despite repeated government assurances.
As of press time, no official casualty figure had been released, while many families continue to count their losses and search for missing loved ones.