Suspected bandits have killed no fewer than 21 persons and kidnapped 40 others in renewed attack on Shiroro communities in Niger State.
About 300 gunmen on motorcycles were said to have attacked stormed Kurege, Sabon Gida, Sararai and Rafin Kanya early Tuesday shooting sporadically.
An indigene of Shiroro Local Government, Galadima Salisu, who witnessed the attack, told newsmen on the telephone that unless governments at all levels come to their aid, the area risked being taken over by bandits who operate at will.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Command, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comments on the attack.
Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, confirmed the incident, but denied knowledge of the actual number of people killed.
Matane maintained that the state government is doing everything possible within its powers to address the problem of insecurity confronting the people.
Since the appointment new service chiefs was announced by President Muhammadu Buhari, bandits in Niger State have intensified their attacks on the state.