Niger Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, has condemned the bandits attack on Erena and Bagna communities, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
Garba made the condemnation in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi-Kuta in Minna on Wednesday.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property and extended condolences to the families of the victims as well as residents of the affected communities.
Garba assured the people of the Gov. Umaru Bago-led administration’s solidarity during the difficult period.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, adding that security agencies had been directed to intensify efforts to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing operations.
The deputy governor also reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen community-based security strategies and collaboration with stakeholders to forestall future attacks.
He called for unity and prayers among citizens, assuring that efforts were ongoing to restore peace across the state.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Niger said the attack occurred on April 7 at about 6:30 a.m., when armed bandits invaded Bagna village and moved to Erena community.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Command’s spokesperson, in a statement, said a joint security team engaged the attackers and successfully repelled them from the area.
He confirmed that two vigilante members and a driver attached to the joint security team lost their lives, while others sustained injuries.
Abiodun added that the situation in the area had remained relatively calm, with security operatives maintaining surveillance. (NAN)
