Bandits kill three, torch houses in Niger community

Suspected bandits have killed three people and set several houses ablaze in Pissa village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack on Saturday, saying the assailants invaded the community at about 9:00 a.m.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said three residents were reportedly killed during the attack, while several homes were destroyed by fire.

He added that military personnel responded to the incident and engaged the attackers, although details of the encounter were still unclear.

The latest attack comes days after rumours of an alleged bandit invasion in Minna, the state capital, triggered panic among pupils and students, who hurriedly left their schools before closing hours.

The scare also prompted concerned parents to contact school authorities to ascertain the safety of their children and verify reports that schools had been shut.

At the time, the police dismissed the rumours, assuring residents that officers had visited the affected schools and confirmed that no attack had occurred in any educational institution in the state.

The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.