From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The unending circle of blood bath in Niger State as a result of banditry has once again claimed the lives of about 20 gallant security personnel when they were ambushed by bandits operating in the Northern axis of the State.Gory pictures of the slain soldiers have gone viral in the State as no fewer than twenty security operatives reportedly to be Nigerian soldiers have been killed.

Also several suspected bandits were neutralized during exchange of gun fire between the duo in Bangi community of Mariga local government area of Niger state. It was gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday around 11:00PM when the soldiers got wind of their movement towards the Bangi community.According to sources, the bandits were following their usual route to carry out their nefarious criminal activities of kidnapping and cattle rustling before the incident happened.Chairman of Mariga local government Area of Niger state, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba confirmed the incident, saying that it occurred in two separate communities.He named the theater of the gun battle as; Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana closed to Bangi around 11:00PM and Gulmin Boka around 5:00PM of the same day.Kasuwa Garba confirmed that 17 bodies of soldiers have been retrieved from the forest and deposited at Kontagora barracks as vigilantes and other security operatives were still searching and trailing the criminals.He commended the efforts of the Nigeria Air Force in countering the criminals immediately and urged the people to report suspected movement to authorities while they should remain calm as the government was doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the area.Niger State Government was yet to issue any official statement over the development at the time of filing this report.My Constituency Under Seige, Says Niger SpeakerSpeaker Niger State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji has condemned Killing of Soldiers in recent bandit’s attack in communities of Niger North, declaring that his Constituency is Under Siege by rampaging bandits from neighboring states of Zamfara, Kaduna and Kebbi States.Sarkindaji described the killing of the security personnel in Kwanan Dutse and Gulbin Boka communities of Mariga Local Government Area as barbaric, wicked and inhumane.In a statement in Minna on Wednesday which he personally signed, the Speaker expressed his sorrow over the deaths of these soldiers, who had long provided security for the entire local government.He emphasized that this represents a serious catastrophe not only for the military but also for the people of his constituency and the state as a whole.“I received the news of the killing of these promising young officers, who have kept my constituency safe for a long time now, with a heavy heart. This is a wicked, barbaric, and inhuman act,” he said.“This singular attack is a significant setback for the farming communities in Mariga Local Government Area. My entire constituency is under siege.”He pointed out that the attacks on the two military camps in the area have created a substantial challenge to the security situation in his constituency and the state at large. Despite the government’s efforts to address this troubling situation, he lamented that “these criminals have continued to unleash terror on the people.”The Speaker noted that the attack on the military was a deliberate attempt to dislodge them from the communities, allowing bandits to have free access to the area for their criminal activities, including kidnapping, rape, murder, and cattle rustling.“The unfortunate reality is that these wicked and heartless elements come from neighboring states to carry out their attacks on communities within our state,” he added.While expressing his sympathies to the military regarding this unfortunate incident, the Speaker urged them not to be discouraged in their mission to keep the entire state safe from criminals.He assured that the state government will continue to support the military and other security agencies in their duties.He called on the military to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are tracked down and brought to justice, stating, “They must not escape accountability for their actions.”Niger Redeems N1bn Mokwa Flood PledgeNiger State Government has redeemed the N1bn assistance to flood ravaged Mokwa community as it starts the disbursement of N1 million to victims of each household.The development is coming almost a month after the devastating flood that claimed a number of lives and destroyed properties worth Billions of naira.A resident of the community, Ndamusa Isah, who confirmed the development said, “This a major step toward supporting communities affected by the recent flood disaster”He disclosed that, Niger State Government has commenced the disbursement of its pledged N1 billion relief fund to victims in Mokwa Local Government Area.According to him, the initiative is led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago represented by the Deputy Governor Yakub Garba.It was further gathered that it is aimed at providing immediate relief and temporary resettlement support while awaiting the Federal Government’s intervention in constructing permanent housing for displaced residents.”Each household affected by the flood received a N1 million cash grant, Families who lost loved ones were supported with N1 million per deceased as compensation to their next of kin.”Shob owners whose means of livelihood were disrupted received N500,000 each “The State Government in addition to financial support also distributed essential food items to ease the burden on affected families. Each household received; five bags of Maize, five bags of millet, five bags of guinea corn and10 bags of 5kg rice.Bago emphasized that the disbursement reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens and its determination to ensure that no community is left behind in the recovery process.He also reiterated the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to implement long-term solutions that mitigate future disasters and build more resilient communities.The relief distribution was carried out in an organized and transparent manner, underscoring the administration’s focus on accountability, equity, and compassion in times of crisis.