Tragic Incident: Farmers Targeted by Bandits in Niger
On February 19, 2025, armed bandits launched attacks in Wushishi and Rafi Local Government Areas of Niger State, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals—a vigilante and a logger—and the abduction of no fewer than ten others. The assailants, operating in large numbers, were reported to be in the Akare Forest as of 5 PM on Wednesday, rustling dozens of cattle from surrounding areas.
In addition to these attacks, several communities in the Gunna District of Rafi LGA were targeted, with yam barns set ablaze. The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), confirmed the incidents and stated that security operatives have been deployed to pursue the attackers.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State. In November 2024, similar attacks resulted in the deaths of at least ten farmers, including women, and the abduction of two Indian nationals from a rice farm in Swashi, Borgu LGA. These recurring attacks have led to significant displacement of local populations and disruption of agricultural activities in the region.
The Nigerian bandit conflict has escalated in recent years, with numerous attacks on rural communities, leading to loss of lives, kidnappings, and destruction of property.
