Five farmers have been killed, 18 people abducted, and several houses and shops set ablaze in a series of attacks by suspected bandits in Niger State.
The attacks occurred between October 9 and 12, 2026, in Fanga community in Mashegu Local Government Area, as well as Kigbere and Kokani communities in Borgu Local Government Area. The latest attack took place in Fanga on Monday after the armed men allegedly demanded millions of naira in levies from residents who were unable to meet their demands.
A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the attackers invaded the community in the afternoon, killing five people and setting houses and shops on fire.
“They set one of our trucks ablaze, broke into many shops and stole food items. They also abducted 18 people, including women and young children. Fanga has been completely deserted,” the resident said.
He explained that the bandits had imposed levies on the community five times but continued attacking residents despite previous payments.
“Even after we have paid, they still come to attack us. This time, we have not been able to pay what they demanded, and they have insisted that if we want peace, we should raise the money and pay,” he added.
The resident said insecurity had disrupted daily life, with children unable to attend school and farmers prevented from accessing their farmlands. He appealed to the government to intervene and protect affected communities.
Residents Flee Rijau Over Fresh Security Fears
Meanwhile, residents of Rukukuje community in Rijau Local Government Area fled their homes on Monday following reports of suspected bandits moving towards the area. A resident said some families sought refuge in Rijau, the local government headquarters, while others crossed into neighbouring Zamfara State.
According to the resident, the suspected bandits entered the area through a forest in Zamfara State during the afternoon. Another resident said farmers abandoned their activities after armed men were reportedly sighted advancing towards their community.
A video circulating on social media showed women, children and elderly people crossing a river towards Shambo in search of safety. The fleeing residents were seen carrying food supplies and personal belongings, while some pushed their motorcycles through the water as they made their way out of the area.
Local sources said the reported movement of the armed men triggered widespread panic, forcing families to abandon their homes for fear of an impending attack. The Rijau axis of Niger State has faced growing security concerns amid reports of suspected bandits operating across the border from Zamfara, where armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on rural communities.
Despite security operations aimed at containing the violence, residents in affected areas continue to face threats that disrupt farming, education and other essential activities. The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to a message seeking comment on the latest incidents.
