Bandits have launched yet another deadly assault in Palaita community, Erena Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, abducting 24 people, including pregnant women, from a rice farm.
A community source said the attackers stormed the area around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday while residents were busy harvesting their crops. Despite Palaita being barely five kilometres from a military base in Erena, the gunmen reportedly fled with the victims before security forces could intervene.
Blind Resident Brutalised in Separate Morning Attack
Earlier that same day, a separate gang struck Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, where they brutalised a blind resident and amputated his right hand after snatching a mobile phone from him.
The attackers invaded the community at about 8:00 a.m., finding only the visually impaired man at home as other residents had gone to their farms. The victim reportedly told them the phone belonged to a neighbour who was away on the farm, but the bandits, angered by his response, seized the phone and severed his hand.
He is said to be receiving first aid at a patent medicine store in Kuduru community.
Police Confirm Abductions, Begin Rescue Efforts
The Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attack, noting that earlier reports indicated that about ten persons were abducted from Angwan-Kawo and Kuchipa villages in Shiroro Local Government.
“Efforts are being made to rescue the victims,” he said.
Wave of Kidnappings Sparks Heightened Fear
This latest attack comes just days after gunmen abducted over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in the same state.
The incident forms part of a worsening security crisis unfolding across northern Nigeria, where frequent mass kidnappings for ransom have pushed communities into fear and uncertainty.
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