Residents Live in Fear as Bandits Overrun Communities in Mariga LGA, Niger State .

Mariga Local Government Area in Niger State has come under siege as heavily armed bandits have reportedly taken control of several communities for nearly four consecutive days. The affected villages—Ragada, Kakihum, Maburya, and Kumbashi—are currently gripped by fear, with many residents forced into hiding for the past three days.

Eyewitness reports indicate that the number of bandits terrorizing the area exceeds 200. These armed men are said to be moving freely within the communities, operating without restraint or immediate challenge.

In a disturbing development, a staff member of a primary health care center, identified as Ibrahim, was abducted in Maburya village. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom from his family as a condition for his release.

These attacks are part of a broader pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area for over three months. Local sources report that hardly a week passes without sightings or attacks by bandits. Just last week, the villages of Kakihum and Kumbashi came under heavy attack, resulting in a violent confrontation between the bandits and local security personnel stationed in Kumbashi.

Although security forces reportedly neutralized some of the attackers, the clash also led to the tragic death of about eight security personnel, including their commandant.

In the face of this sustained violence, residents are urgently calling on both the federal and state governments to intervene. They are pleading for decisive and effective security measures to curb the frequent and deadly attacks, restore peace, and protect the lives and properties of the affected communities.