Suspected bandits have reportedly attacked Dekara town in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, setting a primary school ablaze despite allegedly collecting a N10 million levy from communities in the area.
Residents told Daily Trust that the attackers invaded the community on Wednesday and burnt down the Central Primary School, Dekara, during the assault.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the gunmen emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park before launching the attack.
According to the source, communities across Dekara District had recently raised and paid the N10 million levy demanded by the bandits after they threatened to attack the area if the money was not paid.
The resident said the payment was made following assurances from the armed group that the communities would be spared further attacks.
“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,” the resident said.
In a separate incident, suspected bandits also attacked the communities of Dnakau, Lanta, and Unguwan Kawo in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Residents said one person was killed while several others were abducted during the attacks.
Among those reportedly abducted was Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo, while Emma, a resident of Bagna community, sustained gunshot injuries during the raid.
Another victim, Halilu Tanko, was reportedly killed in the attack.
Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents as of the time of filing this report.
