A deadly attack by suspected bandits has claimed the lives of at least five people, including three soldiers, in Patigi Local Government Area.
The assault targeted the communities of Mari and Dina, where gunmen reportedly invaded in large numbers, opening fire and causing panic among residents.
“People were running helter-skelter when the bandits started shooting sporadically. Some of the victims were hit by bullets while trying to flee into nearby bushes. It was a terrifying situation because nobody knew where the next gunshot would come from,” one resident recounted.
Several villagers, including women and children, were abducted during the attack.
“The bandits operated for hours. They took many women and children away with them. As we speak, their whereabouts remain unknown,” another source disclosed.
Troops deployed from the Forward Operational Base later responded but were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and the destruction of a patrol vehicle.
“The soldiers moved in to rescue the villagers but the bandits had already positioned themselves strategically. It was a deadly ambush. The attackers opened heavy fire on the troops,” a source explained.
Residents have appealed for increased security presence following the incident.
“This is becoming too much for us. People can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. We are appealing to the government to deploy more security personnel to this area before more lives are lost,” a community member lamented.
