From Mathew Jwantu, Minna
Police and local vigilante group in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state has on Saturday early morning, crushed Nine bandits in an exchange of fire.
Police Public Relations Officer ASP Wasiu Abiodun who confirmed this to our Correspondent in a telephone interview in Minna explaining that the incident occurred in Karaya Mahanga and Bakachi villages by two thirty in the morning this Saturday.
ASP Wasiu Abiodun explained that the armed bandits engage the police and local vigilante in a gun battle at Makujeri village less than four kilometer from Kagara headquarters of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state.
He however said the DPO Kagara mobilised operation pupp adder with some local vigilante to engage the armed bandits who have been terrorising people of Rafi and it’s environs for quite a long time.
According to him nine bandits have been killed while about three of them who ran towards Mekujeri village were intercepted lynched and burnt beyond recognition by mob.
According to ASP Wasiu Abiodun one hundred and fifty cattle and two hundred sheep’s were recovered from bandits during exchange of gun shot which lasted for hours.
Chairman Rafi Local Government Area Alh Ismaila Modibo confirmed the incident in a telephone interview and advised his people not to panic.
Chief of Staff Government House Alh Ibrahim Balarabe also visited the area and assured of the commitment of Niger state government to rid the state of all forms of criminal elements.