Bandits Kidnap Village Head's Wife, Daughter in Fresh Niger Attack

Residents of Faje village in the Sahon-Rami area of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State are counting their losses after armed bandits reportedly abducted the wife and daughter of a traditional ruler during a late-night attack on the community.

The victims are relatives of the village head, Shaibu Isah, according to local sources who spoke after the incident.

A resident, Aliyu Kulho, said the attackers invaded the community between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., causing panic among villagers before whisking away the two victims. According to him, the armed men moved through the village under the cover of darkness and carried out the operation before residents could organise any meaningful resistance.

"Bandits suddenly attacked the village in the night and abducted the village head's wife and one of his daughters," Kulho said.

He added that while the attackers were retreating toward the Borgu forest area, another resident was intercepted by the armed men and reportedly had one of his hands severed during the encounter.

The latest incident has heightened fears among residents who have repeatedly called for increased security presence in vulnerable rural communities across the state.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mashegu, Kabiru Garba, said authorities were still gathering details surrounding the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.

The attack adds to growing concerns over the security situation in parts of Niger State, where communities continue to face threats from armed criminal groups operating within forest corridors and remote settlements.

Residents have urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and strengthen surveillance across the area to prevent further attacks.