Niger: Vigilante attack Police station over killing of members by bandits

From Mathew Jwantu – Minna

No fewer than six vigilantes have been reported killed in a renewed attack by bandits in Kagara village of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state.

The bandits were said to have attacked at about 7am on Monday, blocking the Pandogari road.

Unconfirmed sources say some drivers and passengers were killed and injured during the attack.

The slain vigilante members were said to have gone for rescue after calls to Police were not answered.

The vigilantes in a reaction mobbed the police office in the village, destroying their armory and carting away some ammunitions, it was learnt.

“The vigilantes took the corpses of their slain colleagues to Kagara police divisional office, and protested and mobbed the police station, burgled the armory and went away with their ammunitions.

“They were angry that the police did not do anything about the attack or respond to call for help as they left only the vigilantes to battle the bandits which led to the death of some of their colleagues,” said an eyewitness.

The Niger state Police Command has yet to confirm the attack or mobbing of their office by the vigilante members.