In a distressing development, bandits have launched a brazen attack on Chukuba Ward in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area. The incident took a fatal turn as the attackers succeeded in downing a fighter helicopter in the area, tragically resulting in the loss of the pilot’s life.
Mr. Sanni Kokki, the Convener of Shiroro Concerned Youths, shared harrowing details of the attack during a phone conversation with journalists in Abuja on Friday. Kokki disclosed that the criminals executed a deadly ambush, claiming the lives of 13 soldiers along the Zungeru – Tegina road in Madaka Ward of Rafi Local Government Area.
The shocking incident transpired early Monday morning, leaving residents in the vicinity in a state of turmoil. Kokki’s account conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating, “As we are talking now, villagers living around the area are all now moving towards Erena. This is another problem again because people are being displaced from their traditional homes to unknown destinations. We are having another humanitarian crisis in our hands with the economic challenges confronting our people.”
In response to this dire situation, Senator Sani Musa, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, representing APC, Niger East, expressed his deep concern. He labeled the incident highly unfortunate and urgently called upon the federal government to deploy its military and security resources to the troubled regions. Senator Musa emphasized the need to protect innocent lives and property.
“This is a very serious situation happening at a time we are happy that the issue of banditry is subsiding in our various communities in Niger State,” Senator Musa remarked. He urged the federal government to swiftly mobilize its resources to contain the escalating threat, asserting, “The most alarming situation now is that the attacks look like a planned work because the bandits are carrying out their operations simultaneously in many parts of Niger State. Government should please, as a matter of urgency, take a drastic action on it and save lives and property of our people.”
