Armed bandits have killed one person and kidnapped a couple in a violent early morning attack on Makera town in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, sparking heightened security concerns in the region. The incident occurred around 2:30 am on May 3, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the community located along the Kontagora–Lagos highway, unleashing chaos and fear among residents. According to police sources, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the death of a man identified as Aminu Yusufa. He was shot during the assault and later died while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Makera.
Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the details in a post on his X handle, emphasizing the brutality of the attack and the urgent need for stronger security measures. Alongside the fatality, the bandits abducted a married couple—Alhaji Umaru Garba and Hajiya Marwa Umaru—and took them to an unknown location. The abductions have raised alarm among local communities and security agencies, who are now working to trace the captives and apprehend the perpetrators. In response, the Divisional Police Officer swiftly mobilized a joint task force comprising police officers and local vigilantes to conduct search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related incident, residents of Woko community in Borgu Local Government Area successfully repelled a bandit attack on the night of May 2, around 10:15 pm. The attackers, armed with firearms, entered the village and began firing shots, but the villagers, organized and prepared, resisted fiercely. The confrontation resulted in the death of one bandit, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries. A police tactical team arrived shortly after, supported by local hunters and vigilantes, and recovered the body of the deceased attacker along with a locally made shotgun used in the assault.
Security forces have since increased patrols and surveillance in both affected areas to prevent further attacks and reassure residents. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, with authorities working to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators. The attacks highlight the persistent threat of banditry in Niger State and underscore the need for coordinated security efforts across communities. As the search for the kidnapped couple continues, residents remain on high alert, hoping for swift justice and lasting peace in their communities.
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