Bandits attack Niger’s community, rob shops

On Wednesday, bandits attacked the Bassa community in Niger’s Shiroro local government area.

On Wednesday, Mohammed Abdullahi, a traditional title holder in Erena town (Gunduma), confirmed the attack by phone.

According to Abdullahi, the bandits, who are believed to be members of Boko Haram, attacked Bassa town in the early hours of Wednesday.

“I’m not sure when they attacked, but we heard about it this morning when we woke up. We heard the assailants fled Zamfara and took refuge in Shiroro forest after being shot down by Nigerian Army fighter jets a few months ago,” he said.

“The bandits have been ravaging the town since the morning, destroying shops and other valuable properties while stealing all food and money. We’ve already notified the special vigilante groups stationed at Galkogo (a village near Bassa) and they’re en route to the town.

“As I speak with you, many residents have fled to Erena, while others have taken refuge in the bush. They arrived on motorcycles in droves. Because these attackers operate differently than the bandits who typically attack villages, people are claiming they are members of Boko Haram.

The attackers had only come to steal, according to Abdullahi, who added that no one had died.
According to Shehu Nagarta, a former resident of Bassa, the bandits remained in Bassa until 6 p.m. before departing for Magami, another Shiroro LGA village.

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The vigilantes and other security operatives who left to rescue the residents, according to Nagarta, have yet to return.

Attempts to contact police and government officials were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.