Bandits terrorizing different parts of the country have killed no less than 165 civilians and attacked 50 times in Niger State from 1st to 17th of January, 2022, according to the State Governor, Abubakar Bello.

The Governor gave the statistics in a press briefing on Tuesday shortly after giving President Muhammadu Buhari an update of the security situation in the State at the Aso Villa in Abuja.

“We suffered not less than 50 reported attacks and loss of lives between 1st and 17th January. No less than 300 communities were invaded by bandits, and 200 people were kidnapped- including three Chinese nationals,” he said.

According to him, 25 security personnel, 165 civilians, and 30 local vigilantes lost their lives in the attacks.

“It’s a very dire situation that we have been battling in the last few weeks since the beginning of this year,” he intoned.

The Governor also lamented that some communities still pay ransoms to bandits despite the Government discouraging such action.

“When you pay levies to bandits, they use such money to purchase weapons and come to attack you,” he stated.

However, he expressed optimism that there would be changes in the State following the outcome of his meeting with the President.

Do Not Pay Taxes, Levies To Bandits- Niger Government Tells Locals

Gunmen Kill Worshippers In Mosque Attack In Niger State

Bandits Kill 17 Locals, Abduct Several Others In Attack On Niger Villages