This is coming after armed gunmen numbering over 60 on Wednesday, invaded the military camp and engaged the military personnel in a gun duel which reportedly lasted for two hours.
Report says the bandits suffered a huge casualty while the soldiers recorded no casualty except for one missing Resident Sergeant Major (RSM).
The military are reportedly in search of the missing RSM with the help of some community members.
According to the Secretary to Niger State Government, Ibrahim Matene, the shut down of the military camp was a ‘tactical withdrawal’. He pointed that the military has been stationed in the community for the past five years due to the notorious nature of the area.
Matene noted that Zagzaga community and other surrounding villages were entry and exit routes for the bandits before the soldiers got stationed there. He also mentioned that the community have enjoyed a steady peace for the past five years that the military were there.
According to Daily Trust’ source, bandits re-launched attacks on the communities hours after the soldiers dispersed.
Some 15 people were reportedly abducted in the night attacks, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring villages.
Communities affected in the fresh attacks Wednesday night are Zagzaga, Zhani, Guni and Maraban Daudu.
The villagers are reportedly to have all relocated from these communities, leaving only the youths and some men behind.
The source said the 15 people were abducted from Boddo village in the early hours of Thursday during the invasion.
