By Omoniyi David
Residents of Niger North Senatorial District have held a special prayer session at the Eid Ground in Kontagora, Niger State, seeking divine intervention over persistent bandit attacks devastating farming communities.
The prayer, which drew hundreds from Kontagora, Mashegu, Rijau, and Magama, followed a series of deadly raids that have displaced many residents, mostly women and children.
A participant told newsmen that the prayers sought protection for both residents and security operatives, as well as divine punishment for the bandits and their sponsors.
Eyewitnesses said villages including Genu, Shambo, Sabon-Gari, Dukku, and Tungan-Buni were attacked for four consecutive days, with houses looted and farmlands destroyed.
Many residents have fled to Kontagora and nearby towns, while others sleep on mountains.
However, recent airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force reportedly neutralised several terrorists moving with stolen cattle around Yabawa, Awallah, Kumbashi, and Kakihum.
Residents expressed optimism that normalcy would soon return but urged government and security agencies to sustain the offensive and assist displaced persons.
