Marauders invade Niger communities, kill, rape, rustle 250 cattle

Heavily armed men, numbering about 60 at the weekend invaded several communities  in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, killing four people who attempted to confront them.
No fewer than 30 men and a number of young girls were kidnapped in the process.
The invaders said to have operated with sophisticated weapons, including AK47 rifles, locally made guns, machetes and daggers also went away with 250 cattle from the communities.
This latest invasion is coming barely one week after the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, David Umoru, expressed concern about the state government’s silence over the continued invasion of some communities in the state by armed men.
During the invasion by the armed men suspected to be Boko Haram members fleeing from the recaptured Sambisa forest in Borno State, several women were said to have been raped openly.
It was gathered that the invasion started last Thursday with assaults on Dan Mayans and Dogongona communities where the 30 men were kidnapped and the invaders later returned to complete their nefarious assignment on Friday.
The invaders have demanded for ransom, ranging from N2 million to N3 million for the release of each member of the communities.
Mallam Ummah Abubakar, who was among those kidnapped said he managed to escape after the three armed men detailed to guard them, slept off due to fatigue.
Abubakar, however, disclosed after his escape, he could not ascertain the whereabout of his two wives, Aisha and Maryamu and his ten children that were kidnapped along with him.
Another victim, Maianguwan Kusherki Garba Tanko,  narrating his ordeal, said they stole over 200 cows from him and lamented how the women were raped and molested openly.
The  Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, could not be reached for comment. Nevertheless, the Chairman of Rafi Local Government Council,  Alhaji Gambo Tanko Kagara, who confirmed the incidence, said he had reported the case to higher authorities.
He however stated that drastic measures must be taken  to address the incessant attacks on the communities by gunmen which he said have claimed many lives