Communities in Agwara local government area of Niger state were thrown into mourning on Thursday as bandits suspected to be those fleeing from the ongoing military operations in part of Kwara state slaughtered two people in their homes.

Also, over 15 houses were set ablaze by the bandits who invaded Gebbe and Goro, border communities between Agwara and Borgu local government areas of the state.

A source close to the two communities told our Correspondent on phone Friday that the Gunmen arrived the communities in their numbers and all riding on motorcycles with each carrying about two to three people.

Our source further stated that the bandits were actually heading towards Kebbi state, adding that “after attacking the communities, they headed towards the river in Jamare where they were able to cross to Kebbi state.

“They were all carrying loads on their motorcycles and we suspected that they were coming from Kwara axis. They were over 50 in number”, he added.

Two people were slaughtered openly as members of the communities watched helplessly.

The two victims were said to have attempted to escape on sighting the bandits but were promptly captured and slaughtered in the presence of the people.

According to our source, the bandits decided to set some houses ablaze after looting food items and other valuables.

“They were moving from house to house and looting mainly food stuff and other things. They were asking the villagers to bring money or they would be slaughtered. They operated for close to two hours before heading towards Kebbi state through the Jamare river.

“As I speak with you now, the two communities are in shock over the incident. We saw how human beings were slaughtered like animals just because they wanted to ran away”, he submitted.

It was gathered that the area has been a route for bandits and other terrorists moving from the far north to Niger Kwara and other southwest states in recent time, stressing that their movement is usually in the night.

This latest incident is coming barely two weeks after the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command confirmed that bandits attacked its checkpoint along the same axis, Wawa–Babanla road in Borgu Local Government Area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Muti who confirmed the incident in a statement, disclosed that a group of heavily armed bandits, whose exact number was not known, stormed the checkpoint and opened fire on the officers on duty.

The personnel tactically withdrew from the scene and escaped without injuries.

The attackers however stole the officers’ personal belongings, vandalised an operational Hilux vehicle by deflating its tyres, and made away with one G3 rifle.

The statement added that the checkpoint is situated about three kilometres from Wawa town and roughly nine kilometres from the 221 Armoured Brigade Barracks. (Daily Sun)