Bandits Allegedly Down NAF Helicopter, Kill 13 Soldiers In Ambush

Bandits now causing havoc in Niger State’s Chukuba Ward of the Shiroro Local Government Area have slain 13 troops.

According to reports, the bandits ambushed and killed 13 soldiers along the Zungeru-Tegina route in the Madaka Ward of the state’s Rafi Local Government Area.

The culprits were also claimed to have shot down a Nigerian Air Force fighter helicopter in the vicinity on Monday morning, killing the pilot.

Mr. Sanni Kokki, convener of Shiroro Concerned Youths, revealed this in a phone conversation on Monday.

Kokki said, “The unfortunate incident happened on Monday morning. As we speak, villagers living around the area are all now moving toward Erena.

“This is another problem because people are being displaced from their traditional homes to unknown destinations.

“We are having another humanitarian crisis on our hands with the economic challenges confronting our people.”

Sani Musa, the senator for Niger East Senatorial District, confirmed the occurrence, calling it “highly unfortunate.”

He urged the federal government to send all of its military and security forces to the volatile areas in order to rescue innocent lives and property.

“This is a very serious situation happening at a time when we are relieved that the issue of banditry is subsiding in our various communities in Niger State,” Musa added.

“The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, deploy all its arsenal to curtail further spread

“We have been having a reduction in cases of attacks but now it appears as if there is a serious escalation of the situation.

“The most alarming situation now is that the attacks look like a planned work because the bandits are carrying out their operations simultaneously in many parts of Niger State.

“Government should please, as a matter of urgency, take drastic action on it and save lives and property of our people.”