In a devastating assault on Madaka community within the Rafi local government area of Niger State, suspected bandits have wrought havoc, claiming the lives of no fewer than 21 individuals, among them, the village head.
The incident unfolded with terrifying swiftness around 3pm on Thursday, amidst the bustling activity of the community market, resulting in a grim tally of casualties.
Reports from the scene suggest that it was utter chaos, with approximately 50 residences engulfed in flames, along with several commercial establishments, and a number of automobiles and motorcycles reduced to charred remnants.
The assailants, armed and unrelenting, are said to have descended upon the village with merciless gunfire, indiscriminately snuffing out lives and reducing the once-vibrant market to ash. Furthermore, they callously abducted an unknown number of villagers, spiriting them away to an undisclosed location.
Isah Bawale, a respected district head, verified the harrowing events in a somber telephone interview from Minna, the state capital. This tragedy marks a chilling recurrence, as the community had previously weathered a similar assault years ago, resulting in the untimely demise of a former district head.
Alarmingly, Madaka has languished without adequate security presence since that fateful day, leaving its inhabitants vulnerable to the whims of marauding bandits, who have since operated with impunity.
The Niger State Government is yet to make a comment regarding the incident, prompting mounting concerns regarding measures being taken to safeguard vulnerable communities like Madaka against such brazen acts of violence.
