At least 10 farmers, including a Chinese national and several women, were killed in a brutal attack by bandits on Tuesday in Wayam and Belu-Belu villages, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
Residents report that six of the victims were beheaded, with the attackers taking their heads as they fled the scene.
The assault took place around 5am during morning prayers.
Bala Tukur, a resident of the area, described the violence as “traumatic,” adding that many people have now abandoned their homes.
“They mercilessly killed 10 people and injured many,” Tukur stated. He also pointed out that the attacks have prevented locals from fully harvesting their crops, with some villagers being forced to pay fees to the bandits for safe harvesting.
Local sources indicate a rise in attacks across Rafi, Wushishi, Shiroro, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs, targeting communities during the harvest season.
In a recent incident, bandits raided Zungeru town, taking residents from their homes and a hotel.
Among those abducted were a man identified as Saidu Yakubu, also known as Abacha and his wife.
Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed awareness of the situation, noting that security personnel have been mobilized in response.
However, Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, stated he required additional time to verify the details of the incident.