380 dead, N79 million paid as ransom in 71 bandit attacks in Niger – Agency

The National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has revealed that between 2015 and 2021, no less than about 380 people have been killed and 71 others abducted in the state of Niger.

The record also revealed that no less than N79 million has been paid as ransom to bandits in the state during the same period.

This was delivered by the center’s North Central Coordinator, Major General Hassan Ibrahim Bature (retd) during an awareness program for the newly seconded National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to the state at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Paiko, the headquarters of the state’s Paikoro LGA.

The coordinator, represented by the deputy director of intelligence, Lieutenant Colonel DV Gimba, also noted that out of the state’s 25 local government areas, 18 have been attacked by bandits since 2015, including Shiroro, Munya, Rafi, Mashegu and recently Lapai local government areas have been the hardest hit (invaded) and overrun by bandits.

He further stated that 380 people were killed and 71 others were abducted even as there were 71 conflicts between farmers and herders, accounting for several injuries and deaths in the north-central zone.

“Insecurity in Nigeria persists because there are many illegal weapons in the hands of people. However, there is a need to stop the spread and restore peace and development,” he said

He said the North Central geopolitical zone remained a hotbed for conflict between farmers and herders, with 58 percent occurrences and 61 percent casualties, adding that the security threats were directly related to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

In the United Nations (UN) report, he noted that Nigeria accounted for 350 million or 70 percent of the estimated 500 million illicit small arms and light weapons circulating in West Africa.

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