By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
About 600 villagers have been displaced following fresh attacks by bandits on Niger State villages.
The attackers, who have seized control of local farmland, are reportedly forcing the displaced villagers into unpaid labour on their farmland.
In a statement signed on Sunday by its director of media and strategy, Habibu Wushishi, the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management said that terrorists attacked the villages last Thursday.
The statement reads, “Niger state, also received yet another shocking and painful incidences of banditry attacks in Lanta, Tunga, Dnakau and Juweedna villages of Erena in Shiroro local government area.
“About 600 displaced persons from the villages are presently in Erena and Kuta IDP camps being profiled.”
He explained that the attacks occurred Thursday, June 20, 2024, adding that “many cattle and sheep were rustled but no case of kidnapping was reported. However, many of the houses in Lanta village were burnt down by the bandits”.
He said, “In a similar sad story, the ministry received report of boat mishap on the River Niger (Kippo) which consumed the lives of two fishermen (same brothers of same parents) who were on board the boat fishing at about 10pm.”
He said the accident was caused by heavy rainfall and wind storm.