Bandits Kill Man, Kidnap His Wives, Demand ₦50m Ransom in Niger State

 Bandits Kill Man, Kidnap His Wives, Demand ₦50m Ransom in Niger State

Suspected bandits have killed a man and abducted his wives during a deadly attack on a community in Niger State, further heightening fears over worsening insecurity in the area.

The incident occurred on Friday night in Dukku town, located in Rijau Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly stormed the home of Abubakar Gari. According to security analyst Bakatsine, the attackers shot Gari dead before abducting his wives and fleeing to an unknown destination.

Gari was laid to rest on Saturday in line with Islamic burial rites. Shortly after the burial, the abductors reportedly contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the kidnapped women.

Sources disclosed that the attackers deliberately left behind Gari’s infant child, who is still breastfeeding, a move believed to be intended to pressure the family into making a quick ransom payment.

The attack has intensified fear among residents of Rijau Local Government Area, where cases of abductions and violent assaults have reportedly increased in recent months.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command was aware of the report and would verify the details. As of the time of filing this report, no official confirmation had been issued.

Meanwhile, in a related development, residents of Maje village in Borgu Local Government Area were thrown into panic after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attempted to invade the community on Friday night. Several houses were reportedly set ablaze before local vigilantes successfully repelled the attackers.

Local sources said the assailants struck under the cover of darkness but were forced to retreat following resistance from community members. The incident occurred near Konkoso village, an area that has witnessed recent deadly attacks.

Over the past few days, Borgu Local Government Area has experienced a wave of violent assaults, with reports indicating that dozens of residents were killed across multiple villages. The attackers were said to be heavily armed and arrived on motorcycles, also setting fire to a police station before fleeing into nearby forests.

Many affected communities have since been deserted, as residents continue to flee to safer locations. Community leaders are calling on government authorities and security agencies to intensify operations and provide adequate protection to prevent further attacks.