Bandits ambush farmers in Niger, kill 7, burn harvest
In a tragic turn of events, at least seven farmers, including a vigilante, were brutally killed by suspected bandits in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The attackers, who ambushed the farmers while they were transporting harvested maize, also set fire to the truck carrying the 50 bags of maize.
According to sources who spoke with Daily Trust, the farmers had just completed loading the maize into the truck and were preparing to head home when the bandits struck. They opened fire on the truck’s occupants, killing everyone inside, before setting both the vehicle and its precious cargo on fire.
A source familiar with the incident said, “The victims had gone to collect the maize they had harvested, and after loading the 50 bags into the truck, they were ambushed. The bandits killed them all and then set the truck and maize on fire.”
This violent attack has highlighted the increasing difficulty faced by farmers in Mariga, where criminal groups have made it perilous to conduct routine agricultural activities. The region has been plagued by a surge in violence, with bandits frequently targeting farmers, kidnapping victims, and carrying out ambushes, making it hard for communities to feel safe and productive.
The attack on the farmers is a reflection of the escalating insecurity in Niger State, where criminal groups are wreaking havoc on local communities. The presence of bandits has not only affected agricultural activities but also has compounded the struggles of residents who are trying to rebuild their lives after years of enduring kidnappings, extortions, and violence.
As many farmers are now too frightened to continue their work, the effects on the local economy could be far-reaching, especially as harvest seasons are usually a time of increased productivity and income for rural communities.
In a separate incident, terrorists killed Mallam Danjuma, a resident of Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora LGA, after holding him captive for three weeks. The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N20 million from his family, which was reportedly paid. However, despite the ransom being delivered, the victim was tragically killed. The news of Danjuma’s death was brought to his family by one of the other kidnapped victims who managed to escape from the captors’ den.
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Local residents have expressed deep concern over the growing frequency of kidnappings in Kontagora. Yahaya Suleiman, a resident of the town, shared his frustration, stating that kidnapping had become a daily occurrence, especially in the past few weeks. Suleiman added, “It’s heartbreaking. Every day now, we are hearing about new kidnappings. No one feels safe anymore, not even in broad daylight.”
The Niger State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the deaths of the seven farmers in Mariga. Abiodun revealed that the farmers were ambushed on November 16, 2024, around 3pm by suspected kidnappers while traveling near Makogi/Ungwan Elbi. Tragically, some vigilante members who were part of the group also lost their lives in the attack.
In response to the growing violence, the police have joined forces with military tactical teams to launch security operations aimed at restoring order and protecting residents from further attacks. Abiodun noted, “We are working together with the military and other security agencies to ensure that the safety of the people is guaranteed, especially during the farming season.”
The joint security forces are tasked with monitoring the area and preventing any further ambushes, as the region grapples with ongoing insecurity. Officials have stressed that the protection of farmers and civilians is critical to ensuring that harvest seasons are not further interrupted by violence.
The devastating events in Mariga and Kontagora have raised urgent questions about the state of security in Niger State and other parts of the country. For farmers, who rely on their harvests for survival, the continued threat from bandits is not just a matter of life and death but a fundamental challenge to their livelihood. As these violent incidents persist, the need for enhanced security measures becomes increasingly apparent.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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