Bandits attacked Mariga, Mashegu and Rijau Local government again

Armed bandits have continued to unleash terror on residents of Mariga, Mashegu and Rijau Local Government Areas. Reports indicate that hundreds of the assailants were sighted in Kumbashi, heading toward other locations such as Maburya, Kakihum, Gulbim Boka, and Rijau yesterday. In fear for their lives, residents of these communities have fled their homes for safer areas.

According to another source, around 300 bandits riding motorcycles were seen in Rijau town—the headquarters of Rijau Local Government—where they broke into homes and shops, looted valuables. Most residents had already gone into hiding to avoid the attacked yesterday. It was reported that the bandits operated in Rijau for over four hours without any intervention from security forces.

Despite Rijau being just a few kilometers from Zuru in Kebbi State, no assistance came from military personnel stationed there. The affected communities have been living in fear since the killing of about 18 soldiers by the bandits at a military base near Bangi, the headquarters of Mariga Local Government, roughly three weeks ago.

Similarly some of the Bandits were said to have attacked some communities in Mashegu Local government area about a week ago.

These criminal groups continue to terrorize the region with little or no resistance from government security agencies.