Niger: Farmers, residents desert communities after terrorist attacks

Bandits have forced the residents of Bassa, a farming community in Niger State, to abandon their homes following a brutal attack that left 20 people dead.

Sani Musa, the senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, disclosed the tragic news on Friday while commenting on the beheading and killing of 20 youths and members of Bassa, a community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

The senator stated that the attackers had beheaded 10 youths and killed another 10 residents for allegedly resisting the bandits’ demands to join their group.

“Only three weeks ago, a group of bandits invaded Kuchi Community, killing seven security agents and went away with about 150 people.

“Up till this moment, the entire Kuchi community remained deserted. These latest attacks are coming when the people are preparing to return to the farm, which is their only occupation,” he said.

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News Telly gathered that the recent attack on Bassa took place on Thursday. The bandits rounded up about 20 people, intending to conscript them into their ranks. When 10 of the youths resisted, they were beheaded. The remaining 10 were shot dead.

Recall that in April, the same group reportedly attacked Allawa community, killing nine residents after overpowering soldiers stationed in the area.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.