By: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
Rijau town and environs in Rijau local government area of Niger state are now enveloped with tension as suspected bandits have surrounded the area doing their normal business as usual, mopping up rustled cattle.
It was gathered from sources in the areas that the suspected armed gunmen in their numbers have invaded the communities between Mariga and Rijau local government areas, riding on no fewer than 200 motorcycles, with 3 on each of the vehicles.
According to information from the area, it was further revealed that the bandits were carrying sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 and other dangerous items, moving from one community to another, to gather cows.
However, it was alleged that the suspected bandits came in from Zamfara state to carry out their criminal activities in the state.
Reports further indicated that no security operatives in the entire area, except a few vigilantes who are handicapped.
However, the people lamented that the bandits in their intimidating numbers are operating freely due to a lack of security presence in the affected communities.
It was gathered that the suspected miscreants are allegedly targeting to enter Kontagora in order to carry out their nefarious activities in the town.
A source from Rijau town has appealed to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the Niger state police command, the Nigerian military, and other security operatives to quickly intervene to safeguard the area from unexpected attacks. Hence, they are raiding houses, shops, filling stations, and looting properties.
There was no official statement from the state government, security agencies at the time of filing the report, just as efforts to get the response of the Niger State command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO SP Wasiu Abiodun, could not yield fruitful results.
