Bandits Seize 24, Injure Blind Resident in Renewed Niger Attacks

Fresh waves of bandit incursions have unsettled Niger State as 24 persons — including a pregnant woman — were abducted while a blind resident was injured during coordinated attacks in Erena Local Government Area.

The latest strike occurred on Wednesday in Palaita community, where gunmen reportedly descended on a farmland as labourers were harvesting crops.

Sources told our correspondent the attackers rounded up the workers and herded them into the forest. Among the victims is a heavily pregnant woman whose whereabouts remain unknown.

In a separate attack within the same council area, bandits were said to have assaulted a blind man after he allegedly failed to “cooperate” with their demands.

Residents, gripped by fear, say the resurgence of violent raids is worsening insecurity in the region.

They are calling on security agencies and the state government to act swiftly to prevent further violence and restore public confidence.