Two Fleeing Niger Residents Die as Abductors Reduce Ransom in Kwara
Residents of Bassa and surrounding communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have abandoned their homes in large numbers, rendering the towns virtually deserted. This mass exodus followed widespread panic triggered by rumors of an impending bandit attack, which created a chaotic and fearful atmosphere across the region.
Deaths and Panic in Niger State
Local sources reported that two women, who suffered from high blood pressure, collapsed and died as they rushed out of the town to seek safety in Kuta, the headquarters of the council area. The intense stress and physical exertion during the evacuation proved fatal for these individuals, highlighting the human cost of the security crisis.
Vigilantes in Bassa observed helicopters hovering around the community in the morning, interpreting the movement as preparation for a bandit assault or reprisal. A source explained, “The vigilantes believe that they lacked sufficient weapons to confront the threat, hence the reason why the vigilantes fled. Their departure left the community unprotected, prompting residents to follow suit and abandon the town.”
The state government and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East, have condemned the attack. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, stated that the state government strongly flayed the heinous and senseless banditry attack that occurred in the area, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.
Ransom Reduction in Kwara State
In a related development, abductors of eight worshipers from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) at Omugo in Ifelodun council area of Kwara State have reduced the ransom for their release. The initial demand of N1 billion has been lowered to N150 million, though this amount remains far beyond the financial capacity of the victims’ families and the community.
The Omugo community, which has lamented total neglect by the government, expressed deep distress over the situation. Addressing newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Ilorin, coordinator Balogun Oladiran Johnson disclosed that the community has been attacked several times in just six months.
He said, “The constant attacks on Omugo reveal glaring gaps in security coverage and underscore the urgent need for decisive government intervention. Beyond the immediate suffering of the victims and their families, the persistence of such attacks threatens rural stability, public confidence in governance, and the protection of fundamental human rights.”
Johnson added, “This is the third time in six months that the shadow of terror has fallen upon our land. This time, the predators succeeded, turning a day of worship into a nightmare of blood and tears. This is not merely a security breach; it is a brutal assault on our faith, our dignity, and our very right to exist.”
The incidents in Niger and Kwara states underscore ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, with banditry and kidnapping continuing to disrupt lives and communities. Calls for improved government intervention and security reinforcements are growing louder as affected areas grapple with fear and instability.
