An unknown number of traders and customers were feared dead on Thursday when bandits attacked a well-known market in the Madaka community, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The assault occurred just two days after bandits reportedly attacked another community, Pangu Gari, and killed the district head and four others.
The locals who revealed the district head's killing said they were still recovering from the tragedy when the Rafi market incident took place.
According to residents who spoke anonymously, an unspecified number of people were killed as the traders were caught off guard.
The bandits reportedly raided the market at 3 pm during its busiest time and started shooting indiscriminately at the traders and customers.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Bello Mohammed, confirmed the bandit attack without providing details.
He mentioned that the state government was collaborating with security agencies to stop the frequent attacks on farming communities in the state.
“Niger State Government and the security agencies are working to stop these frequent attacks on farming communities in the state,” he said.
It is remembered that bandits are still present in over nine local governments in the state, causing hardships for farmers.
They have often been reported to kill farmers, destroy farm produce, and demand fees for the farmers to return to their farms.
