News
Bandits kill one Soldier, 20 vigilantes in Niger
By Justina Asishana, Minna
Armed bandits have killed one soldier and 20 vigilantes in Kotonkoro Village of Mariga local government area of Niger state.
The bandits were said to have attacked a military base in Kotonkoro and ambushed the vigilantes in the Wednesday night attack.
The Commandant of the vigilantes in Mariga local government, Abu Hashimu confirmed the killing of his men on Thursday on phone.
He said 16 of the vigilantes were killed on the spot while the others were shot as they tried to escape.
“The slain vigilantes were returning from search operation when they were ambushed.
“16 of them were killed on the spot while the bandits pursued four others who tried to escape and gun them down also”.
The Commandant said that the bodies of the slain vigilantes have been recovered and buried.
It was also learnt a combined team of security have begun a manhunt for the bandits in Dutsen Magajiya forest.
Niger government has also confirmed the death of the vigilantes,saying the government will deploy all its resources in apprehending the bandits.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, who gave the confirmation said 20 vigilantes were killed.
He said the bandits also attacked the military post in the area, killing one soldier.
