A 75-year-old woman has been shot dead by armed bandits during a late-night raid on Kabe Community in Niger State, further highlighting the severe security crisis in the region. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, has triggered a mass exodus from several villages within Borgu Local Government Area.
Elderly Victim Targeted in Bush Hideout
The victim was identified as Amina Abu-Shaki, the wife of the Sarkin Noma of Kabe. According to local accounts, the bandits stormed the community around 8 pm, firing gunshots indiscriminately and causing widespread panic. Residents fled into the surrounding bush for safety.
Mallam Awwalu, a community resident, narrated that the elderly woman was discovered by the attackers as they were withdrawing from the area. "She was shot where she was hiding. She was sighted in the bush and was shot," he said. The assailants also looted multiple shops, carting away foodstuffs and other valuables before they left.
Communities Deserted Amid Relentless Violence
The killing in Kabe is part of a devastating pattern of attacks that has emptied numerous villages. Awwalu confirmed that repeated assaults have forced residents to abandon their homes and farms for safer locations, severely disrupting agricultural activities and livelihoods.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another deadly attack in Damala village, within the same local government area, last Friday. In that assault, four people were killed, cattle were rustled, and worship centres along with several houses were set ablaze. Musa Saidu, the Disaster Officer for Borgu LGA, officially confirmed the death toll from the Damala attack.
Government Orders Evacuation for Security Operation
In response to the escalating violence, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has issued a directive for communities residing around Kainji National Park and Kainji Lake to vacate their homes. The order gives residents a two-month deadline to relocate.
The governor announced this drastic measure during a visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, in New Bussa. He stated that the temporary resettlement is necessary to enable security forces to carry out extensive operations to dislodge armed groups hiding in the forested areas without risking civilian casualties. The Emir pledged his full cooperation with the authorities.
The security situation in the North-Central region remains critical, with this latest killing underscoring the vulnerability of rural communities to bandit terrorism.
