Bandit Attacks Escalate in Niger State as Gunmen Abduct 17 Residents

In a surge of insecurity, gunmen executed two separate attacks on Tuesday, abducting a total of 17 residents from Garam town and Zhibi community in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Garam, where 14 individuals were kidnapped, is situated along the Sabon-Wuse-Bwari road, while Zhibi, witnessing the abduction of three others, shares boundaries with Dei-Dei town under Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A commander from the vigilante group in Garam, Dantani Daniel, reported that the bandits struck the Sabon-Unguwa area around 1 am, taking victims from different houses and leaving within an hour.

One resident revealed that the assailants targeted the residence of a serving policeman, injuring him. The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Kubwa General Hospital.

Concerned about the escalating security situation, President Bola Tinubu convened an emergency meeting with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting, attended by top military and police officials, aimed to address the deteriorating security across states, including the FCT.

While the details of the meeting were not disclosed, President Tinubu, during a separate interaction, described the wave of kidnappings and bandit attacks as disturbing and emphasized the importance of education as a key to addressing the nation’s challenges.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike held a security council meeting with area council chairmen and security agencies to address the frequent attacks on residents. He reassured the public that measures were being taken to resolve the security challenge and urged residents not to panic.

Wike frowned upon the constant travels of area council chairmen during the security challenges, emphasizing the need for their active involvement in resolving local issues.

In response to the security crisis, the Federal Government sought support from the French government. The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, met with members of the French Parliament and Defence Commission to appeal for assistance in defense cooperation, including military equipment and training for Nigeria’s armed forces.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, expressed dismay over the current security situation, stating that it seems as if security agencies have gone to sleep. She highlighted the recent tragic killing of a university student and called it a blight on the national conscience.

Presidential candidate Peter Obi urged President Tinubu to assign Vice President Kashim Shettima responsibility for security while focusing on the economy. Obi emphasized the need for leaders to fulfill campaign promises amid ongoing security challenges in the country.