By Faith Adama
Tragedy has struck families in Niger State following a wave of violent attacks by bandits, leaving communities in mourning and fear.
In Mariga Local Government Area, seven farmers, including a local vigilante, were ambushed and killed while harvesting maize.
The assailants not only took their lives but also set their truck, loaded with harvested crops, ablaze.
A grieving family member lamented, “They went to work to provide for us, but now they’re gone, and we are left with nothing.”
In another devastating incident in Kontagora, Mallam Danjuma, a local resident, was killed by kidnappers even after his family paid a N20 million ransom for his release.
He had spent three harrowing weeks in captivity before his tragic death.
“We did everything to secure his freedom,” his widow said through tears, “but they still took his life.”
The rising tide of violence, marked by killings and abductions, has left many families questioning their safety and the future of their communities.
Meanwhile, security forces have pledged to intensify efforts to combat armed groups and restore peace to the region. Residents, however, remain wary, demanding immediate and decisive action to end the cycle of terror.
