Bandits have reportedly razed the Central Primary School in Dekara town, located in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite allegedly receiving a ₦10 million levy from communities within the area.
Residents who spoke with Daily Trust disclosed that the attackers stormed the community on Wednesday after emerging from the Kainji Lake National Park.
One resident, who requested not to be identified for security reasons, revealed that communities across the Dekara District had recently contributed and paid the ₦10 million demanded by the armed men following threats of an attack.
According to the resident, the bandits warned that failure to pay the levy would lead to violence against the communities. Although the money was eventually handed over, the attackers still invaded the district headquarters and set the community’s primary school ablaze.
The source expressed disappointment that the payment failed to stop the assault, saying the destruction of the school came despite the communities’ efforts to comply with the bandits’ demands.
In another incident, suspected bandits reportedly launched attacks on the communities of Dnakau, Lanta and Unguwan Kawo in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Residents said one person lost his life during the attacks, while another was taken away by the gunmen.
The victim who was abducted was identified as Moses Joseph from Unguwan Kawo. Another resident, identified as Emma from Bagna community, was reportedly shot during the raid.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has insisted that armed bandits responsible for killings and kidnappings across different parts of the country should not be allowed another opportunity to continue their crimes.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
He said the activities of bandits have continued to leave many communities in pain through repeated killings, kidnappings and attacks on innocent residents, including women and children.
According to the governor, those carrying out such violent acts should be regarded as terrorists because of the devastation and suffering they have continued to inflict on communities across the country.
