Residents of M.I Wushishi Estate in Minna, the capital of Niger State, have been ordered by suspected bandits to vacate their homes or face deadly consequences. The bandits, believed to be illegal miners, reportedly invaded the estate in broad daylight, breaking windows and damaging several cars while most male residents were away at work.
A resident, speaking anonymously on Monday, revealed that the attack occurred shortly after residents reported the presence and activities of illegal miners in their community to the local police.
“These hoodlums, whom we suspect are illegal miners in the area, have threatened all the residents of M.I Wushishi Housing Estate to leave or be killed,” the resident said. “They brazenly entered the community during the day, smashing window glasses and damaging numerous cars.”
The resident added, “This attack happened right after we reported to the police about the damage these miners have caused to our homes. They told us they would come for us, and they did, targeting the estate when most men were at work. Many top civil servants, including directors and permanent secretaries, live here. Several people have already left the estate out of fear. Nowhere in this state feels safe anymore. If it’s not bandits or terrorists chasing people from their homes, it’s hoodlums and miners. Where is the government in all this?”
When contacted on Tuesday, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the attack but assured that peace had been restored in the estate.
“On 02/09/2024, around 2:00 PM, a distress call was received reporting that suspected illegal miners, along with miscreants and thugs, were engaged in a fight and were attacking houses at M.I Wushishi Estate, Minna. Police patrol teams, led by the DPO Maitumbi, responded promptly, and the miscreants were dispersed. However, one individual, whose identity remains unknown, was killed by the hoodlums and was taken to the general hospital morgue,” Abiodun stated. “Normalcy has since been restored, and an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the assailants. Patrol teams have been stationed in the area to prevent any further incidents.”
