By Priscilla Campbell, Minna
Armed bandits have killed no fewer than 70 persons and displaced over 1000 villagers in Shiroro Local Area of Niger State.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the number of deaths moved from 12 when the first attack was reported on Sunday June 9, 2019 to 70 and spread to more villages.
It was learnt that many of the injured persons were rushed to different hospitals in Kuta, Erena and Zumba, even as the displaced people are taking shelter in seven IDP camps in the council.
The Senator David Umaru, who is from the district, said that within the last six days, 19 persons died in Kwaki village, 14 in Barden Dawaki village while eight died in Ajatawyi village.
The former lawmaker said that others include seven dead in Gwassa, five in Ajayin Bataro, four in Bwailo, three in Baton village and two reported dead in Giji village.
It was also gathered that during the period over 800 heads of cattle were rustled.
Umaru, however, apealied to President Muhammadu Buhari to come to the rescue of the people of his zone from the ravaging bandits.
He pleaded with the President to deploy the military to the area fast to curtail the situation, insisting that the situation in the area is currently beyond the capacity of police.
He also appealed to the Niger State government to give top priority to the provision of adequate logistics in helping security agencies in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Abubakar, confirmed the development on phone.
Abubakar, however, said that the Police record revealed that only 12 deaths were recorded during the attacks, saying the command in conjunction with other security agencies had been drafted to the troubled area to ensure peace.