More bodies have been recovered after the Monday morning deadly attack on Bagna community in Shiroro local government,Niger state, bringing the total number of people killed to 52.
No fewer than 20 people are currently receiving treatment from gun shot injuries at various government health facilities even as the entire community and it neighboring villages remained deserted after the attack.
A reliable close to the community told our correspondent on phone that of the total number of death , 42 are members of the joint security taskforce whose camp was set ablaze during the invasion, six are members of the local vigilantes and four villagers.
He said many of the dead bodies were recovered from bushes around the community while others died in the hospital, stressing that the number of casualties from side of the bandits could not be ascertained, but many of them were also killed.
“Up till yesterday morning (Wednesday), some bodies were recovered from bushes around the community. This is one of the biggest attacks in recent time because the bandits came well prepared and in large number.
“Right now as I speak to you, there is nobody in Bagna community, including neighboring villages. It is only the security agents that are searching the bushes for their missing colleagues”, he added.
Meanwhile more facts have emerged on why the bandits lunched this mother-of -all attacks on the community in recent time.
According to a source conversant to series of attacks on the area, the bandits came solely on a revenge mission after their cattle and sheep were seized by the security agents few months back.
The seized cattle and sheep were said to belong to the late bandits warlord, Mallam Kachala who was in charge of some territories in the area until he was killed during a gun battle with the joint security taskforce.
Although our source said some of the animals were returned to the bandits after the intervention of the local authority, they (bandits) were angered that some of the seized animals were missing.
“I think this was what led to this attack because almost a year now, we have not experienced any attack from the bandits. The people have been going about their normal farming and commercial activities for almost a year now.
“Those cattle and sheep that were seized, it is not all of them that were returned after the local government intervened. Some cattle and sheep were missing and nobody could account for them.
“From all indications, Dogo jede and Kachala group team up to lunched this attack over their missing animals. It is not too far from what I’m telling you”, our source submitted.
Meanwhile the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has condoled with the people of Shiroro LG over the attacks.
The governor In a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, describes the renewed attacks as heinous and callous.
He condemns in totality the attacks, saying it is indeed a setback to the government’s efforts towards addressing the security challenges in the state.
According to him, “These renewed attacks on our people are heart wrenching. I deeply sympathise with the entire people of Shiroro and most especially the affected communities over the unfortunate and unwarranted attacks on them”.
“I want to assure you that you are not alone , I share in your pains as well as losses”, he added.
