Gunmen kill five, kidnap 18 in Niger communities

Suspected gunmen have killed five farmers and kidnapped 18 people in Niger State. They also set houses and shops on fire in separate attacks. This has forced many residents to leave their homes.

The attacks happened between October 9 and 12 in Fanga, which is in Mashegu Local Government Area, and in Kigbere and Kokani, both in Borgu Local Government Area.

The most recent attack took place in Fanga on Monday. Residents could not meet the armed men’s demand for millions of naira in levies, according to reports.

A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the attackers came in the afternoon. They burnt homes and shops, and killed five people.

“They set one of our trucks on fire, broke into many shops, and stole food items. They also kidnapped 18 people, including women and young children. Fanga has been completely deserted,” the resident said.

The resident added that the attackers had forced the community to pay levies five times but still attacked them even after they paid.

“Our children no longer go to school because of insecurity. We can’t go to our farms. We need government help,” the resident said.