Just three days after men of the Joint Security Taskforce left their camps at Allawa and Bassa villages in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, gunmen have invaded Allawa community, sacking the villagers from their abodes.
In nearby Kaduna State, Five people have were killed by bandits following an attack on Katarma village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Men of the Niger State Joint Taskforce left the bases last Friday, a day after bandits raided the camps killing six soldiers and a policeman and also setting the camps on fire after burning their operational vehicles.
The Niger State Government had defended the action of the security operatives, saying it was to enable them re-strategise for the task ahead.
However, a report from the area indicated that no fewer than 100 gunmen invaded Allawa village Sunday morning during which they reportedly operated for close to four hours.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan confirmed the Kaduna mayhem. He disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna.
The commissioner said security agencies reported the attack in Katarma village to the state government.
He said the security report indicated that “five persons were killed in the attack, listed as: Samson Danladi, Luka Gajere, Amos Ali, Titus Baba and Damali Musa”.
The commissioner added that one person was injured and was taken to the hospital in a neighbouring state for treatment.
The statement said: “In another incident, troops under the auspices of Operation Safe Haven reported a clash between some youths in Atuku village, Jema’a LGA.
“During the clash, one Afiniki Thomas was attacked by two youths, and sustained a deep gash to the forehead.
“One of the assailants, Sani Safiyanu, was arrested for profiling and Investigation.
“The injured victim was rushed to hospital for treatment.”
He stated further that troops of Operation Safe Haven, while on patrol, discovered the decomposing corpse of one Paul Simon, a resident of Yagbak village in Zangon Kataf LGA.
According to the statement, the deceased was reported missing on 24th March 2021, adding that the corpse had since been buried.
The commissioner said: “Governor Nasir El-Rufai prayed for the repose of those slain, and sent condolences to their families, while wishing the injured a quick recovery.