More bodies have been recovered after the Monday morning deadly attack on Bagna community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing the total number of people killed to 52.

No fewer than 20 people are currently receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at various government health facilities, even as the entire community and its neighbouring villages remain deserted after the attack.

A reliable source close to the community told our correspondent on the phone that, of the total number of deaths, 42 are members of the joint security task force whose camp was set ablaze during the invasion, six are members of the local vigilantes, and four are villagers.

He said many of the dead bodies were recovered from bushes around the community, with others dying in the hospital, stressing that the number of casualties on the side of the bandits could not be ascertained, but many of them were also killed.

“Up till yesterday morning (Wednesday), some bodies were recovered from bushes around the community. This is one of the biggest attacks in recent times because the bandits came well prepared and in large numbers.

“Right now, as I speak to you, there is nobody in Bagna community, including neighbouring villages. It is only the security agents that are searching the bushes for their missing colleagues,” he added.

Meanwhile, more facts have emerged on why the bandits launched this mother-of-all attacks on the community in recent times.

According to a source conversant with the series of attacks in the area, the bandits came solely on a revenge mission after their cattle and sheep were seized by security agents a few months back.

The seized cattle and sheep were said to belong to the late bandit warlord, Mallam Kachala, who was in charge of some territory in the area until he was killed during a gun battle with the joint security task force.

Although our source said some of the animals were returned to the bandits after the local authority intervened, the bandits were angered that some of the seized animals were missing.

“I think this was what led to this attack because for almost a year now, we have not experienced any attack from the bandits. The people have been going about their normal farming and commercial activities for almost a year now.

“Those cattle and sheep that were seized, it is not all of them that were returned after the local government intervened. Some cattle and sheep were missing, and nobody could account for them.

“From all indications, Dogo Jede and the Kachala group team up to launch this attack over their missing animals. It is not too far from what I’m telling you,” our source submitted.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has condoled with the people of Shiroro Local Government Area over the attacks.

The governor, in a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the renewed attacks as heinous and callous.

He condemned the attacks in totality, saying they are indeed a setback to the government’s efforts towards addressing the security challenges in the state.

According to him, “These renewed attacks on our people are heart-wrenching. I deeply sympathise with the entire people of Shiroro and most especially the affected communities over the unfortunate and unwarranted attacks on them.

“I want to assure you that you are not alone; I share in your pains as well as losses,” he added. (The Sun)