Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Armed bandits have launched fresh attacks across communities in Niger State, mutilating a blind resident and abducting 24 people, including a pregnant woman.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday in Palaita community, Erena Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed a farmland and whisked away labourers who were harvesting crops.
Community sources said the victims were taken deep into the bush after the bandits invaded the area.
In a separate attack within the same local government, the assailants reportedly cut off the arm of a blind man who they said failed to “cooperate” with their demands.
Residents say the renewed attacks have heightened tension across surrounding communities, prompting calls for urgent government action to stem the escalating insecurity in the state.
As of press time, neither the state government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the incidents.
Kidnappings by armed groups have continued to surge across the North, worsening fears among rural communities and raising concerns over the capacity of authorities to protect citizens.
