Niger State: School Torched, Residents Abducted Despite N10m Ransom Payment to Bandits

Bandits have reportedly set a primary school ablaze in Dekara town, located within Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area. This act of arson, which occurred on Wednesday, followed the alleged collection of a N10 million levy from various communities in the district. According to residents who spoke with Daily Trust, the Central Primary School, Dekara, was razed during the assault on the town.

An anonymous resident disclosed that the assailants emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park before descending upon the community. It was revealed that villages and settlements within the Dekara District had recently pooled together and paid the N10 million demanded by the bandits. This payment was made under duress, as the criminals had threatened severe attacks if their demands were not met. The communities had hoped that paying the levy would guarantee their safety and allow them to remain in their homes without further aggression.

However, these assurances proved false. The resident lamented, stating: “The bandits imposed a N10 million levy on communities in the district. The money was paid because they threatened to attack us if we failed to comply. But despite receiving the money, they still attacked the district headquarters and burnt down the primary school.”

In a separate but related development, bandits also launched fresh incursions into Dnakau, Lanta, and Unguwan Kawo communities situated in the Shiroro Local Government Area. Locals reported that these attacks resulted in one fatality and the abduction of several individuals. Among those affected, Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo was identified as one of the abductees, while Emma from Bagna community sustained a gunshot wound during the raid. Tragically, Halilu Tanko was also shot dead in the course of the attack.