Niger State bandits abduct over 100 people and demand N50m levy

Suspected bandits have abducted more than 100 residents during an overnight raid on Shadadi and surrounding communities in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The attackers have imposed a N50 million levy on the community, threatening further executions if the demand is not met.

In a significant escalation of violence, the kidnappers reportedly beheaded one of the captives and sent his severed head to the village head of Shadadi, Ya’u Guskum. According to local reports, the victim was killed after relatives failed to meet specific ransom demands involving petrol and engine oil. The bandits have threatened to behead more individuals in their custody unless the community pays the N50 million tax to allow residents access to their farms.

The Niger State Police Command has been notified of the incident, though official details are still being processed.