Despite Alleged N10m Levy Payment, Bandits Kill, Burn School and Displace Residents in Niger

Suspected bandits have reportedly set a primary school ablaze in Dekara town, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite allegedly collecting a N10 million levy from communities in the area after promising to halt attacks.

The latest assault is part of a wave of insecurity that has battered communities across Borgu and parts of neighbouring Agwara Local Government Area for more than a week, leaving several people dead, others abducted, hundreds displaced and property destroyed.

Residents said the attackers stormed Dekara, the district headquarters, on Wednesday and razed the Central Primary School, Dekara, while operating in the community for several hours without resistance before fleeing.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen were believed to have emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park, an area that has repeatedly been identified by residents as a hideout for armed criminal groups operating in parts of Niger State.

Community members alleged that before the latest attack, bandits had demanded a N10 million levy from communities across the Dekara District, threatening widespread violence if the money was not paid.

According to residents, the communities raised the funds and handed them over after the attackers reportedly assured them that they would no longer be harassed or attacked.

"The bandits imposed a N10 million levy on communities in the district. We paid because they threatened to attack us if we refused. They assured us that once the money was paid, our communities would be spared," a resident told reporters.

However, residents said those assurances proved short-lived.

Despite the alleged payment, the armed men reportedly returned to the district headquarters, set the primary school on fire and forced residents to flee for safety, leaving much of the community deserted.

The attack has further deepened the humanitarian crisis in the area, with several affected communities reportedly abandoned as residents continue to seek refuge in safer locations and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

Local sources said repeated attacks in recent weeks have crippled farming activities and disrupted normal life across parts of Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas.

Fresh Attack Reported in Shiroro

In a separate incident, suspected bandits also reportedly attacked Dnakau, Lanta and Unguwan Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Residents said one person, identified as Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo, was killed during the attack.

Another victim, identified simply as Emma, from Bagna community, was reportedly shot before being abducted by the attackers.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed the incidents or disclosed details of any rescue or security operations in the affected communities.

The renewed attacks have heightened fears among residents of rural communities in Niger State, many of whom continue to call for stronger security presence to stem the growing wave of banditry across the state.