Bandits Behead 10 Farmers Including Chinese National In Niger State, Cart Away Heads Of Victims

At least 10 farmers, including women and a Chinese national, have been killed in attacks by bandits on Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in Niger State’s Rafi Local Government Area. Witnesses report that six of the victims were beheaded, with the assailants taking their heads as they fled the scene. Many injured residents were rushed to a clinic in Kagara, the Rafi LGA headquarters, according to Daily Trust.

The attack occurred early Tuesday morning around 5 a.m., as villagers gathered for morning prayers. “At Wayam village near Madaka, under Kagara town, they mercilessly killed 10 people and injured many others,” said local resident Bala Tukur. “The way they killed us is deeply traumatic. Everyone has fled the area.” Tukur added that many villagers have been unable to harvest even half of their crops, including maize, due to the insecurity.

In recent weeks, residents in Kukoki village were reportedly forced to pay bandits N1.5 million to allow them to harvest their crops, only for the attackers to return days later. Local sources have noted an increase in attacks in various areas, particularly as farmers in Wushishi, Rafi, Shiroro, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs begin harvesting.

In a related incident, bandits invaded Zungeru in Wushishi LGA on Friday night, moving through homes and a hotel to abduct residents. A local source reported that the attack continued into early Saturday morning, with the assailants abducting Saidu Yakubu, known locally as Abacha, and his wife.

Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed that the Niger State Government is aware of these incidents, adding that security agencies have been mobilized in response. Meanwhile, Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, stated that he needed more time to verify the details of the recent attacks.