Bandits have carried out fresh attacks on communities in Niger State, abducting 24 people, including a pregnant woman, and severing the arm of a blind resident in separate incidents within the same local government area.
The latest attack occurred on Wednesday at Palaita community in Erena Local Government Area, where the assailants reportedly stormed farmlands while labourers were harvesting crops.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men rounded up the workers at gunpoint and took them into the surrounding bush. Among those abducted was a heavily pregnant woman, whose condition has sparked serious concern among residents.
In another incident within the same local government area, the attackers reportedly hacked off the arm of a blind man after he allegedly failed to comply with their demands. The victim is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed health facility.
Residents of Palaita and neighbouring communities said the renewed attacks have intensified fear and uncertainty across the area, as many have now abandoned their farms and daily activities.
Community leaders lamented the worsening security situation and appealed to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention to prevent further violence.
They also expressed concern that farming activities are being disrupted at a critical time of the agricultural season, raising fears of food shortages and economic hardship.
As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incidents. Efforts to reach the police spokesperson were unsuccessful.
The latest attacks add to a growing list of banditry cases in Niger State, where several communities have continued to suffer kidnappings, killings and destruction despite ongoing security operations.
