Bandits have attacked Gpekure, Makuba and Galapai communities in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least eight persons, while 14 others, including five women, were kidnapped.

It was learnt that the bandits had laid siege to the communities since Friday night when they first launched an attack on Gpekure, where they killed seven persons and abducted seven others.

The attacks forced dozens of residents, especially women and children, to flee to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Zumba and Gwada communities, as well as Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Shiroro.

A resident told Daily Trust that the attacks on Gpekure and Makuba happened around 11pm on Saturday, while that of Galapai was carried out around 1pm on Sunday.

He said, “These communities are just few metres away from one another. Galapai is just few metres from Galadima-Kogo that was attacked two weeks ago. If you are in Galadima-Kogo and you shout, someone in Galapai will hear you.”

The Secretary, Niger State Vigilante Corps, Shiroro LGA, Ayuba Dakko, confirmed the attacks.

Mr Dakko said, “In Gpekure, they burnt houses and foodstuff, killed seven persons and kidnapped five women and two men. After that, they invaded Makuba where they killed one person on Saturday. Today (Sunday), around 1pm, they attacked Galapai where they kidnapped seven persons.

“There is nobody remaining in those communities now. People have fled to IDP camps in Zumba, Gwada and GDSS, Shiroro. I slept in the bush yesterday. We the vigilantes couldn’t confront them because we don’t have the types of weapons they have.”

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