Again, Bandits Strike In Niger, Kill Mobile Policeman, 14 Others, Injure Scores 

BY ILIYA GARBA, MINNA – Barely 24 hours after armed bandits invaded an Islamic School in Tegina and kidnapped about 200 children, bandits on Monday attacked Beri town in Bobi district of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, killing 15 persons including a Mobile policeman.

According to eyewitness’ account, no fewer than 15 people were reportedly gunned down in the attack by the bandits who stormed the area in large numbers.

The attack, which led to the loss of life of a Mobile Policeman and 14 other people, took place at about 8:00am on Monday.

However, five of the bandits met their waterloo as they were killed by the men of the local vigilante in the area that engaged them in a gun duel for about an hour.

The bandits burnt down the Beri Police Station which was their first point of attack and in the process many people got injured while scrambling for safety.

It was also gathered that another set of the bandits reportedly stormed Garin-Gabas in the same Mariga Local Government on Monday morning but met a stiff resistance from youths of the town.

It could however not be ascertained the number of casualties on both sides during the about 30 minutes of violent confrontations between the two.

Similarly, another group of bandits also raided Ungwan Bako in the Kotonkoro district of Mariga Local Government abducting many people mostly women and children.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the incidents but did not give further details.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun did not respond to telephone calls for comments over the developments.