Niger: Bandits Strike, Kill village head, 21 others

***Set Vehicles, motorcycles, ablaze

Armed Bandits numbering over 50 struck in Madaka community, Rafi local government area of Niger State on Thursday killing 21 persons in one of the most brutal attacks in recent times.
The village head of Madaka whose name was not immediately known as at the time of filing this report was also not spared.
According to a source close to the community, the attack occurred at about 3:00pm when the village market was at its peak with beehive of activities.
It was further gathered that the Bandits set ablaze a number of motorcycles, 50 shops and vehicles during the bloody incident.
The Bandits were said to have invaded the village market while shooting sporadically making the natives to scamper for safety.
Majority of the people killed were those who attempted to escape the onslaught, while several others were injured, including women and children.
Unspecified number of the villagers, mostly women were abducted and whisked away during the attack which lasted for over two hours.
The Gunmen were yet to make any contact with their families as at the time of the report.
The district head of Madaka, Alhaji Isah Bawale who is currently taking refuge in Minna, the state capital, confirmed the incident to our Correspondent in Minna in a telephone interview.
It would be recalled that a similar bloody attack occured in the community three years ago leading to the killing of the then District Head and a number of people.
Madaka community has never enjoyed security presence despite repeated attacks by the gunmen.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached for confirmation of the latest attack.
Meanwhile, the state government is yet to issue a statement on the incident.