Armed bandits have reportedly invaded communities in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, killing scores of villagers and rustling over 200 cattle.

The affected communities include Zagzaga, Chibani, and Kuch.

It was gathered that during the attack which occurred on Tuesday, the bandits, numbering over 100, killed many villagers and abducted several others.

The gunmen, who were said to have moved from one community to another, set houses on fire and carted away foodstuff while the villagers fled their homes for safety.

It was also gathered that a camp of the Joint Security Task Force stationed in the Kuchi community was set on fire by the gunmen even as the security forces fled for their lives.

Sources from the affected communities alleged that the marauding gunmen had gathered at Kusasu community in Shiroro Local Government Area, which shares a border with Munya, before the attack.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maj-Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), who confirmed the attack, said, “There have been incidents of bandit attacks in the area. However, I have not yet received a detailed report regarding this specific attack.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, decried the attack, saying “The act is barbaric, wicked, and inhumane. These enemies of the people have continued to carry out relentless attacks on innocent villagers.”

Vatsa lamented the activities of local informants, saying they have continued to frustrate the government’s efforts to bring the security challenges under control to ensure meaningful development in the state.

Efforts to reach the Chairman of Munya Local Government, Aminu Najume, failed as he could not be reached.