By Douglas Princemola
According to the district chief of Madaka, Idris Bawale, insurgents identified as bandits launched a violent attack on a village in Niger State, near Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. The assailants targeted a market in Madaka village within the Rafi Local Government Area, indiscriminately firing shots and resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people, including a village leader.
In addition to the loss of lives, the bandits set fire to the market, a medical facility, and numerous vehicles, inflicting significant damage to property estimated at over N30 million. Bawale recounted the terrifying experience, stating that the attackers struck during market hours, targeting innocent civilians conducting business transactions.
Furthermore, the attackers abducted several individuals, predominantly women, exacerbating the trauma experienced by the community. Despite the severity of the situation, the spokesperson for the police command in Niger State, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, was unable to provide immediate confirmation of the incident, citing ongoing engagements.
