Estimated reading time: 8 minute(s)
Men of the Joint Security Task Force have killed 20 bandits and rescued five kidnap victims during a clearance operation in Gaskiya Bana, a border village between Niger and Kaduna states in Munya Local Government of Niger State.
The kidnap victims were said to have been in the custody of the bandits for over one month.
The bandits were said to be working for a notorious bandits kingpin Alhaji Leyi who has his operational base at Gaskiya Bana in Munya Local Government Area.
The operation lasted for about five hours.
Niger Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Umar confirmed the incident.
He said the task force invaded the terrorist hideout who abandoned their victims and loot.
According to Umar, the Task Force ran into an ambush by the terrorists at Unguwan Aboki but were able to repel them as scores were neutralised and others were forced to retreat.
The Commissioner identified the rescued victims as Yakubu Abuba, Susan Sunday, Patience Sunday, Lazarus John and Bulus Yahaya adding that they were all abducted from Chukun village in Kaduna State about a month ago.
“All the victims have been debriefed and since reunited with their families after medical examination,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the security agencies and other stakeholders in mitigating the spate of terrorist activities in the State.
8 killed in Borno farmers/herders clash – Police
In another development, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Abdu Umar, has said eight people were killed and 47 houses burnt in a clash between farmers and herders.
Umar said eight people were killed and 47 houses burnt in a clash between farmers and herders over alleged encroachment of lands in Bayo LGA of Borno State.
Umar disclosed this on Saturday at a town hall meeting with leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and farmers association at the Police Headquarters in Maiduguri.
He said that eight people, including three children, were killed in the violence, adding that the incident was a source of concern to security agencies.
He noted that at the end of the meeting, modalities would be mapped out to ensure proper monitoring of migratory herders into the area.
Umar said that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime, and would be taken to court for prosecution after a ,thorough investigation.
The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, government officials and leaders of the two groups.
The Chairman of MACBAN, Ahmadu Musa-Karube, attributed most of the root causes of the crises to encroachment of cattle roots.
“Animals can’t fly, they must have a route to pass, but most times you will see cattle routes cultivated by the farmers. On a serious note, this needs to be addressed urgently,” he said.
Also, the representative of the farmers, Hassan Musa, also advised that cattle routes should be well gazetted while calling for a total ban on night grazing in the state.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
FOOTNOTE: Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 or email: platformtimes@gmail.com
