Niger: Bandits abduct traditional leader, son, family member

Armed bandits have abducted the Sarkin Fulani of Betuwa, his son and another family member after storming the traditional leader’s residence in Gulbin Boka, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, on Friday night — the latest in a series of attacks plaguing rural communities across the state.

The incident was confirmed on Saturday by security alert platform Bakatsine, which reported that the attackers stormed the residence under cover of darkness, seized the three victims and fled before security forces could respond.

“Last night, bandits reportedly attacked the residence of the Sarkin Fulani of Betuwa in Gulbin Boka, Mariga LGA of Niger State. According to local sources, the bandits stormed the residence during the night and abducted the traditional leader, his son, and another family member before fleeing,” SaharaReporters cited Bakatsine as reporting.

The identities of the abducted victims and their whereabouts remained unknown at the time of filing this report. No information was immediately available on whether security agencies had launched a rescue operation or initiated pursuit of the attackers.

The attack comes amid deepening security concerns in Mariga and surrounding communities in Niger State, where residents continue to face persistent threats from armed groups conducting raids, abductions and killings across rural areas.