Armed bandits operating in Niger have killed five members of a vigilante group and injured many civilians during a deadly attack across communities and a local market.

The incident occurred on Monday morning in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

Daily Trust reported that the brigands attacked a local market in Bassa community while commercial activities was going on.

The outlet further disclosed that the gun-wielding men attacked Beri, Beri-Kago, Gatawi, Kini, Bmada communities and other adjoining villages in Manta neighbourhood.

A youth leader, Sani Abubakar was cited in the report, saying that the activities of bandits has become a daily occurrence in the LGA as the brigands continue to operate with impunity.

“This morning, the daredevils reared their ugly heads again as it is confirmed that, in their large numbers, they stormed quite a number of communities in Gurmana District of the same Shiroro local government and unleashed havoc on unsuspecting victims.

“They were seen from across River Kaduna chasing whosoever is at their sight to abduct.

“Kokki, Shekadna, Karibo, Jabuki, Sarkin Zama, Bakin Kogi (Lagbe), Maganda and other adjoining villages all in Gurmana District came under renewed simultaneous attacks this morning.

“The attacks being carried out by heartless, venomous and hydra-headed terrorists heavily armed with assorted sophisticated and dangerous weapons on countless communities in Shiroro local government area, Niger State have become sad realities in which inhabitants of the war-torn local government have been compelled to experience on daily basis.

“Five members of local Vigilante Corps were said to have been gunned down during the fierce gun battle,” Mr Abubakar said.

The police command spokesman, Wasiu  Abiodun, did not respond to multiple calls and messages when contacted Monday evening for comments from Peoples Gazette.

The activities of banditry are gaining more momentum as the marauding gunmen continue to launch deadly attacks across the northern region including Abuja with little or no resistance from the relevant security agencies.