35 persons have been abducted while many others were injured during an attack on Chiri, Gini and Fuka communities in Shiroro and Munya Local Government areas of Niger state.

It was gathered that the bandits invaded the communities barely 48 hours after the Deputy Governor of the state, Ahmed Ketso visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada in Shiroro local government area and lamented on security issues in the state, describing it as “worrying” and “overwhelming.”

A source disclosed that the bandits came into the communities on motorcycles on Saturday evening and started shooting sporadically, causing villagers to flee into the forest.

Alhaji Muhammad Awaisu Wana, Chairman of the Niger Concerned Citizens, revealed that 10 out of 15 wards in Shiroro local government council have been taken over by the bandits.

He stated that Gwada, Kuta and Sarkin Pawa in Shiroro and Munya LGAs have become headquarters for persons displaced by bandits.

Wana further disclosed that eight of the wards, which are under bandits’ control, are in riverine areas, adding there are about 80,000 IDPs in the state.

The youth leader appealed to the Federal Government to come to their aid to enable them return home and start preparing for this year’s farming season.

He warned of the possibility of food shortage in the state and country if the banditry continues unabated.

The co-Convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Kokki, also confirmed the attack in Gini, Fuka and Chiri communities.

He stated the communities were simultaneously attacked by the bandits.

He said in Chiri, there was mass abduction of the villagers adding that a definite figure has not been obtained.

He also said that there were people who sustained multiple gunshot injuries and destruction of houses and food stores.

(NAN)