A devastating incident unfolded in Madaka village as armed gunmen launched an attack, resulting in the recovery of thirty lifeless bodies and the destruction of approximately fifty houses.

The assault took place on Thursday and claimed an unspecified number of lives, including that of Saleh Ahmad Kakuri, the Village Head, as well as the vigilante Commander and his Deputy, all under the Madaka District in Rafi local government area of the state.

On the same day, the bandits also targeted Majanjan District within the same local government, where Alhaji Salihu Immahuri, the Maianguwan (Village Head) of Anguwan Bala, and his two wives tragically lost their lives.

A local traditional ruler confirmed the incidents, expressing dismay at the lack of response from security agencies during the hours-long rampage by the bandits.

“The bandits invaded the village around 3:30 pm on Thursday. The villagers have already recovered over 30 bodies. They operated for several hours without any response from security agencies,” he shared.

The timing of the attacks exacerbated the impact, occurring during the bustling activity of the market, leading to significant casualties.

Another witness from the village disclosed that more than 50 houses, including commercial shops, fell victim to the assailants’ flames.

“During the attack, the suspected armed men stormed the village, firing indiscriminately, killing several people, and setting the market ablaze. They also abducted an unknown number of villagers, whose whereabouts remain uncertain. At present, we cannot ascertain the exact number of casualties or abductees,” the source revealed.

This tragic incident recalls a similar attack that devastated the village in previous years, resulting in substantial loss of life.

As of now, the Niger State government has not issued an official statement regarding the reported attack, leaving the affected community in search of answers and support.