Residents of Niger North Senatorial District in Niger State recently held a special prayer session at the Eid Prayer ground in Kontagora, seeking Allah’s intervention against the frequent bandit attacks that have devastated several communities including Magama, Mariga, Rijau, Borgu, Kontagora, and Mashegu.
The attacks have forced many residents, especially women and children, to flee their homes, with many taking refuge in the mountains, while few who had the means relocating to nearby towns. The attacks by these non states actors have resulted in the destruction of homes, shops, and crops ready for harvest, thereby contributing to the rising cost of agricultural produce in the market, inflicting severe damage on livelihoods.
According to accounts from internally displaced persons, the bandits have frequently raided villages such as Genu, Warari, Shambo, Sabon-Gari, Dukku, and Tungan-Buni, causing mass displacement.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force has conducted precision airstrikes that neutralized thousands of bandits moving with stolen cattle across communities including Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and Kakihum in Mariga Local Government Area.
These strategic air and ground operations have been lauded by local leaders as pivotal in combating the menance wrecked by bandits.
Residents remain hopeful that the operations of the military, combined with spiritual prayers will restore peace and allow displaced families to return home safely.
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