Suspected bandits have stormed a mining site in Unguwar Magero village, Gurmana ward of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, killing some people and kidnapping many.
The attack has resulted in the loss of at least 12 lives although many more are feared dead.
Eyewitnesses report that the bandits descended upon the miners, opening fire indiscriminately.
The attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the region, with bandits kidnapping an unspecified number of people in Bassa community, also within Shiroro Local Government Area, just a day earlier.
Niger State Acting Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has condemned the attacks, describing them as “satanic, insensible, atrocious, and callous.”
He expressed his condolences to the affected families and communities, praying for the souls of the departed and quick healing for those injured.
“He says it is very disheartening and disturbing for fellow humans to carry out such a barbaric and vicious act on their fellow humans.
“The Acting Governor, while commiserating with the affected families, community members and the entire people of Shiroro local government area over the unfortunate incident, prays Allah to repose the souls of the departed, comfort their loved ones and grant quick healing to those injured.
“He restated the Bago-led administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to taming the tide of insecurity in the State even as he encourages the Security Agencies not to be discouraged by the attacks on communities by the men of the underworld, assuring them of every support that would lead them to victory over evil,” a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said.