The Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)  have condemned the bandits attack on Erena and Bagna communities, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

Mr Garba made the condemnation in a statement by his Press Secretary, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi-Kuta in Minna on Wednesday.

He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property and extended condolences to the families of the victims as well as residents of the affected communities.

Mr Garba assured the people of the Governor Umaru Bago-led administration’s solidarity during the difficult period.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, adding that security agencies had been directed to intensify efforts to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing operations.

The deputy governor also reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen community-based security strategies and collaboration with stakeholders to forestall future attacks.

He called for unity and prayers among citizens, assuring that efforts were ongoing to restore peace across the state.

Also, the NCDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Cyril Tsenyil, condemned the attack in a statement on Wednesday in Lafia.

Mr Tsenyil expressed  sorrow over the attacks, which led to loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property.

He said that the senseless violence undermined peace and security, and threatened ongoing efforts toward development and stability in the North Central region.

The NCDC boss extended condolences to families of the victims and expressed solidarity with those affected by the attacks.

He also sympathised with Mr Bago, the government and people of Niger State over the incident, assuring them of the commission’s continued support in addressing humanitarian and developmental challenges arising from such crises.

Mr Tsenyil called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the protection of lives and property in vulnerable communities.

He urged stakeholders to collaborate in promoting peace, unity and resilience among citizens.

According to him, the commission remains committed to supporting recovery, reconstruction and sustainable development in affected communities across the region. 

Meanwhile, the state police command said the attack occurred on April 7 at about 6:30 a.m., when armed bandits invaded Bagna village and moved to Erena community.

The state police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, said a joint security team engaged the attackers and successfully repelled them from the area.

He confirmed that two vigilance members and a driver attached to the joint security team lost their lives, while others sustained injuries.

 Mr Abiodun added that the situation in the area had remained relatively calm, with security operatives maintaining surveillance. 

(NAN)