Bandits have killed three persons and abducted two rice farmers in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred between Bangi and Kotonkoro areas of Niger State at about 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

The gunmen were said to have blocked the road and shot at vehicles travelling along the route.

It was further learnt that the victims were travelling to the market when they were attacked by the bandits.

Among the victims were the driver of a car, a young girl, and a passenger identified as Alhaji Ibrahim.

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The owner of the vehicle, Shehu Kotonkoro, who confirmed the incident, said the attack occurred at about five kilometres from Kotonkoro.

It was gathered that two rice farmers harvesting on their farm about two kilometres from the town were also abducted by the bandits.

The Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Abbas Musa Kasuwa-Garba, confirmed the attack and sympathised with the victims’ families.

Kasuwa-Garba said the persistent insecurity in the area was due to the proximity to Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, where bandits frequently strike before retreating to their camps.

The Star