Suspected bandits attacked Usubu community in Niger State late Saturday night, abducting several young mothers and leaving their sick babies behind. The shocking incident has raised fresh fears about the worsening security situation in the region.
Reports say the gunmen stormed the peaceful Usubu village under the cover of darkness and forcefully took away many women, most of whom were nursing mothers. Heartbreakingly, the attackers abandoned the infants some less than one year old alone and vulnerable in the community.
An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said, “Yesterday night, gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Usubu community in Niger State, abducted young mothers and left behind their sick babies under 1 year old. When will this horror end in Nigeria?”
The source expressed deep concern about the safety of the children and the trauma the mothers must be experiencing in captivity.
Niger State, like many other parts of northern Nigeria, has been battling a growing wave of banditry for several years. Armed gangs frequently raid villages, killing residents, burning homes, and abducting people for ransom. These attacks have left thousands displaced and put rural communities on edge.
The abduction of nursing mothers is particularly worrying because it exposes the vulnerability of women and children during these violent raids. Bandits often target women for ransom or other unknown reasons, while babies and young children are left behind, sometimes sick and unattended.
Security agencies have been working to curb the activities of bandits through military operations and intelligence gathering. However, the persistent nature of these attacks indicates the challenges faced by the government in restoring peace to affected communities.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by security agencies regarding the Usubu attack. Residents and local leaders are anxiously awaiting updates and hoping for a swift response.
Community leaders have called on the government to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted women and bring an end to the cycle of violence.
The attack has once again highlighted the human cost of banditry in Nigeria. While much attention is often given to the financial loss and destruction of property, the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by victims and their families is immense.
The abandoned infants, some sick and helpless, represent a tragic consequence of the insecurity. The fate of the abducted mothers remains unknown, and their families are left praying for their safe return.
With attacks on the rise, citizens, human rights groups, and security experts continue to urge the government to take stronger and more effective measures against bandits. Many believe that beyond military actions, there is a need for community engagement, improved intelligence networks, and social programs to address the root causes of banditry.
For now, the people of Usubu and other vulnerable communities remain on high alert, hoping for relief from the ongoing nightmare.
