Panic in Niger State as Over 200 Armed Bandits Invade Rijau Communities

Panic has engulfed Rijau town and its surrounding villages in Niger State following reports that over 200 suspected bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, have launched coordinated attacks across the area.

Eyewitnesses say the assailants arrived on motorcycles, three per bike, moving from one settlement to another, stealing livestock, looting homes, and terrorizing residents.

The attacks reportedly began along the axis between Mariga and Rijau and are believed to have been carried out by bandits crossing in from Zamfara State, another hotspot for rural violence.

Local residents expressed frustration over the lack of security presence in the region. Aside from a few under-equipped vigilante groups, no significant resistance was mounted to stop the invaders.

“We are disturbed by the lack of response to our situation by the state government and security agencies,” one resident told reporters.

Calls have gone out to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the Niger State Police Command, and the Nigerian military for urgent intervention to prevent further destruction and restore calm.

As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the Niger State government or any of the country’s security agencies.

Efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun for comment have been unsuccessful.