Bandits kill one, kidnap couple in Niger attack as villagers repel separate raid
Armed Attack in Niger State Leaves One Dead, A Couple Kidnapped
MAKERA, Niger State — An armed group attacked Makera town in the Mashegu Local Government Area early Tuesday morning, resulting in the death of one individual and the abduction of a husband and wife.
Police reports indicate the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on May 3, when gunmen stormed the community situated along the Kontagora–Lagos highway. Security expert Zagazola Makama reported on social media that the gunmen shot a man identified as Aminu Yusufa, who succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The assailants also kidnapped a couple, identified as Alhaji Umaru Garba and Hajiya Marwa Umaru, and transported them to an undisclosed location.
In response to the attack, the Divisional Police Officer deployed a joint team of police and local vigilantes. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
In a separate incident, residents of Woko community in Borgu Local Government Area successfully defended themselves against a bandit attack on the night of May 2 around 10:15 p.m. Armed assailants entered the village firing shots, but local inhabitants organized a resistance that repelled the attack.
During the confrontation, one assailant was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. A police tactical team, along with local hunters and vigilantes, arrived shortly after the attack and recovered the body of the deceased bandit alongside a locally made shotgun.
Authorities have increased security measures in both affected areas, and investigations into the incidents are currently underway.
