(Suspected b@ndits. Photo by Premuim Times)
Fear and outrage have gripped communities in Niger State after suspected bandits allegedly torched a public primary school despite reportedly collecting a ₦10 million protection levy from residents.
The shocking attack has deepened concerns over worsening insecurity, as communities that believed they had secured temporary peace through payment were instead forced to flee for their lives after armed men returned with violence.
Residents say the attackers broke their promise not to strike after receiving the huge levy, leaving behind destruction, displacement, and renewed uncertainty for families already living under constant fear.
The latest incident has reignited calls for stronger security measures, with many questioning how criminal groups continue to operate freely, impose illegal taxes on communities, and launch deadly attacks with little resistance.
According to residents, suspected bandits set fire to the Central Primary School in Dekara, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State during an attack on Wednesday, forcing many villagers to abandon the community.
A resident, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, alleged that the gunmen emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park and attacked the town despite communities in the Dekara District reportedly paying a ₦10 million protection levy after being threatened with violence.
The source claimed the armed men had assured residents that the payment would guarantee their safety and allow them to remain peacefully in their communities. However, they allegedly returned, razed the school, and forced residents to flee.
The attack is part of a growing wave of insecurity across Borgu and neighbouring Agwara Local Government Area, where repeated raids have reportedly left several communities deserted and displaced thousands of residents into safer towns and informal internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
In a related incident, suspected bandits also attacked Dnakau, Lanta, and Unguwan Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area, where one resident, identified as Moses Joseph, was reportedly killed. Another victim, identified simply as Emma from Bagna community, was allegedly shot before being abducted by the attackers.
As of the time of the report, neither the Niger State Government nor the Police had issued an official statement on the incidents. The recurring attacks continue to disrupt farming activities, displace rural populations, and heighten food security concerns across one of Nigeria’s major agricultural states.
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