Report from Niger State says bandits have allegedly beheaded ten farmers, including a Chinese

Bandits have allegedly killed at least 10 farmers, including women and a Chinese national in Wayam and Belu-Belu villages in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
Report said the assault occurred around 5am on Tuesday, during the morning prayers, and witnesses reported that six of the victims were beheaded, with the attackers leaving with their heads.

It was also gathered that many injured residents were taken to a clinic in Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi LGA.

He further explained that many people have not been able to harvest 50 percent of their crops including maize.

Recently, Kukoki villagers were forced to pay N1.5 million to harvest their crops, but the bandits returned just days later.

Local sources reported an increase in attacks as farmers across Wushishi, Rafi, Shiroro, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs began harvesting.

On Friday, bandits invaded Zungeru, Wushishi LGA, moving through homes and a hotel, kidnapping occupants.

A Zungeru resident said, around 12 a.m. on Saturday, bandits invaded Zungeru town, took Saidu Yakubu, known as Abacha, and his wife.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, acknowledged the incidents, saying that the Niger State Government is very much aware, and that all the security stakeholders have been mobilized.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Wasiu Abiodun, said he needed time to confirm the report

Meanwhile.

Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru, has condemned the ill treatment meted on two teenage girls in Ojiegbe Ngbo community, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by some youths.

Mrs Nwifuru expressed shock over the viral video on the social media, of “two teenaged girls, stripped naked and flogged by youths in Ojiegbe Ngbo community, for stealing 2 chickens. She described the actions as “deeply troubling” and a “grave violation of human dignity”.

According to her, all citizens in the state particularly young girls and women, deserve to live, free from harm, fear, abuse, mistreatment or violence as it is not acceptable nor tolerated across Ebonyi communities.

She reiterated that the state government is committed towards ensuring that justice is served to perpetrators of the heinous act.

Nwifuru thanked the efforts of the state Commissioner of Police, CP. Anthonia A. Uche-Anya and her team for arresting the prime suspects, Dennis Ali and Ituma Sunday.

She urged local leaders to ensure the victims get proper care and endeavor to prevent future incidents across communities in the state.

Mrs Nwifuru further reiterated that her foundation, BERWO, will continue to collaborate with agencies to support abuse victims and advocate for women and girls’ welfare.

She also extended her sympathy and support to the affected families, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring justice for Gender Based Violence survivors In the state.