Communities in Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State,Suffered Series of Bandit Attacks in over a span of 3 Days

The communities of Kakihum, Maburya, Kumbashi, and Ragada, all located within Kumbashi District in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, have suffered multiple bandit attacks over a span of three days.

It was initially reported that a group of armed bandits was sighted in these areas on Friday, prompting residents to flee to safer locations. This group was later seen returning to their base with hundreds of stolen cattle. However, on their way, they encountered another group of armed bandits in a village called Macinta, within the same district.

This second group, estimated to be over 200 in number and traveling on motorcycles (with two to three armed men on each bike), was reportedly heading toward the same Kakihum, Maburya, Kumbashi, and Gulbin Boka axis. According to local residents—who chose to remain anonymous—the frequent attacks in Mariga and Rijau LGAs in Niger State, as well as in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State, may be linked to the large concentration of cattle in these areas.

Recent reports indicate that this second group of bandits is now returning to their base with a substantial number of stolen cattle. Witnesses confirmed that the bandits remained in Maburya village from 3 p.m. yesterday until early this morning, when they resumed their movement.

Many residents are questioning why security agencies have been unable to track or intercept the bandits, despite their large numbers and the open manner in which they move stolen cattle back to their hideouts. Fearing abduction, villagers fled to nearby bushes when it was reported the bandits were approaching Maburya. Women, children, and the elderly were also forced to take shelter in the bush, despite harsh weather conditions and heavy rainfall that lasted through the night.

The affected communities are now appealing to their political representatives to urgently report their situation and press for government intervention. They noted that these areas have faced repeated bandit attacks with little or no effective response from security forces.