Suspected bandits have reportedly destroyed a public primary school in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State after allegedly collecting N10 million from residents who hoped the payment would prevent attacks on their communities.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Dekara, where the assailants reportedly invaded the district headquarters and set the Central Primary School on fire, leaving residents shocked over what they described as a betrayal of an earlier agreement.
According to community sources, the armed men had demanded N10 million from villages across the district, threatening to unleash violence if the money was not paid.
The residents were said to have complied after the bandits assured them that the payment would guarantee their safety.
"We contributed the money because they promised not to attack us again. Instead, they returned and burnt our school after receiving the levy," a resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said.
The source added that the attackers were believed to have entered the community through the Kainji Lake National Park before carrying out the arson attack.
Meanwhile, suspected bandits also struck Dnakau, Lanta and Unguwan Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area, where one resident was reportedly killed and another taken away by the attackers.
Residents identified the abducted victim as Moses Joseph of Unguwan Kawo, while Emma, a native of Bagna community, was said to have lost his life during the raid.
Attempts to obtain the reaction of the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to telephone calls or a text message seeking comments before this report was filed.
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