Kagara: Gunmen lay 6-hour siege, kill dozens, kidnap many others in Niger community
Suspected gunmen, numbering about 90, have invaded Kagara town, the headquarters of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, killing dozens and kidnapping several other residents of the community.
The gunmen came into the community on motorcycles, three per each, at about 5pm on Wednesday and carried on with the attacks till around mid-night.
One of the survivors, who spoke with Daily Nigerian on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen first attacked a group of youths playing football at the outskirts of the town before coming into the main town to destroy several shops and multi-million naira property.
“The gunmen, numbering about 90, invaded our town [Kagara] at about 5pm from the bypass.
“They first attacked a group of young boys playing football at the outskirts of the town and went down into the town where they destroyed many shops and properties.
Read Also:
“They also stole a lot of money, killed about six and kidnapped several others. The attack lasted for about six hours with no response from any security agents.
“Many of the residents fled the town to sleep in nearby bushes around the town,” the source said.
Condemning the attack, Governor Sani Bello appealed to the resident to remain calm, saying that the government was deploying resources to ensure the protection of their lives and property.
Mr Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Berje in Minna on Thursday said that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow law-abiding and innocent citizens to be mauled down.
He said that his administration was collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to address the security challenges facing the state.
He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, and prayed for a speedy recovery for the injured victims.
He, however, solicited the cooperation of the people through useful information to security agencies and assured them of utmost confidentiality.
Efforts to speak with the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.
