Bandits in Ukuru village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State have killed no fewer than 15 persons in a fresh attack.
Five other persons were also seriously injured in the afternoon raid on the vilage by the bandits.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the village at about 3.30 pm on Wednesday on motorcycles, shooting sporadically.
It was learnt that most of the people killed in the incident were villagers sitting at a tea joint, popularly called ‘Mai Shayi,’ enjoying their late breakfast.
Sources said that the attack may be a reprisal attack as local vigilante had repelled an attack by bandits some days before and killed four of the bandits.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abiodun Wasiu, confirmed the incident, adding that the bandits also rustled several cattle during the attack.
He said, “15 persons have been killed by gunmen at Ukuru Village in Mariga Local Government Area of the state. The attack occurred on Wednesday at about 15:30 hours.
“The command was informed that gunmen invaded Ukuru Village, opened fire on the natives and rustled several cattle in the process.
“At the end of the shooting, 15 people were confirmed dead while five others sustained various degrees of injury.”
Wasiu said that those injured were receiving treatment at Mariga General Hospital.