Armed terrorists numbering over 200 have raided several communities in Kontagora, Mariga, and Rijau local government areas of Niger State, killing many children.
The terrorists stormed the communities on Tuesday in a convoy of about 100 motorcycles wielding dangerous firearms and ammunition.
It was gathered that during the attack, the terrorists razed several houses and looted provision stalls they vandalised.
A credible local source told PRNigeria that the bandits also rustled no fewer than 250 cattle from their raided villages on their routes.
“These criminals operated ‘freely’ in several communities in the axes of Kontagora, Mariga and Rijau just like they have done severally in the past.
“Aside from sacking Argida, Babugadi, Warari, Birnin Boga, Mogola and several villages, they also killed little children at Bangi. Other villagers only escaped by the whisker.
The bandits rode on motorcycles numbering over a 100. They successfully rustled no fewer than 250 cattle, which they moved to the dense Maonda forest,” he added.
Meanwhile, PRNigeria learned that a ‘heavy’ surveillance operation has been launched by the police at forests in the local government areas under the siege.
A military intelligence officer, however, told PRNigeria that it was bad weather that prevented Nigerian Air Force, NAF, attack jets from launching counter-attack offensives against the criminal elements.
Fighters pilot are being cautioned to be mindful of severe weather conditions due to adverse hazy weather including intensity storm, poor visibility, high turbulence.
“They adhere strictly to the metrological warnings on the deterioration of horizontal visibility occasioned by a noticeable advection of dust that comes with associated risks and dangers that could harm fighter aircraft during military operations,” the officer said.