Bandits kill 16 worshipers in Niger

Tayo AFOLABI

Gunmen have killed about 16 worshippers in Baare village in the Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

This is the second incident in about six weeks following the massacre of 18 worshipers in Mazakuka in the same local government area.

Eyewitnesses said the armed men, like they did during the first attack, rounded up the early morning worshipers before gunning them down in cold blood.

Several other worshipers were said to have escaped with gunshot injuries, with the injured currently receiving treatment at the Kontagora General Hospital.

It was gathered that many people, mostly women and children, were abducted by the bandits and taken into captivity.

However, the police have confirmed the death of only nine villagers.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Monday Bala Kuryas, told journalists in a telephone interview that combined security operatives are on the trail of the bandits, saying they will be apprehended soon.

Kuyars said security agencies in the state would never shy away from their responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Nigerlites and Nigerians, but called for credible intelligence from the public to succeed.

It will be recalled that the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, recently set up a commission of inquiry into the Mazakuka massacre and the reprisal that followed it.

The commission of inquiry has not started its sitting but has none the less asked for submission of memoranda from the public.