Terrorists went on the rampage in Niger and Kaduna communities at the weekend, killing no fewer than 29 people and burning houses.
The attacks occurred between Saturday and early yesterday.
In Niger, over 18 people were killed and 40 injured when terrorists invaded the Galadima Kogo community in Shiroro Local Government Area.
The attack began at about 5 pm on Saturday and lasted for hours.
A resident of Galadima Kogo, who was injured in the attack, said they informed security operatives about the impending attack.
The resident, who pleaded not to be named for fear of his safety, said they were shocked to learn that the operatives had left.
“What happened in our community was a promise fulfilled by the bandits. The terrorists had given a four-day notice before they attacked,” he said.
News of the attack spread on social media Saturday night.
A youth leader, Jubrin Allawa, said the terrorists had a field day because there was no security presence.
A group, the Concerned Shiroro Youths of Niger State, slammed the alleged withdrawal of security from the community.
In a statement by the co-conveners Sani Abubakar Kokki and Bello Ibrahim, the group said they found the bodies of 12 people.
“The decision taken by the government to withdraw the security personnel is reckless and insensitive.
“Considering how porous, prone to insecurity and vulnerable to deadly attacks by the rampaging terrorists Galadima Kogo is, one can easily conclude that the withdrawal of security personnel at that material time was a deliberate attempt to further jeopardise people’s lives and put them in the line,” the group said.
The bodies of 18 victims were brought to the Minna General Hospital late on Saturday night.
