Gunmen Kill Niger Farm Manager and Abduct Three Workers in Brazen Attack

In a tragic incident that underscores the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, gunmen attacked two farms in Niger State, resulting in the death of a farm manager and the abduction of three farmhands. This alarming event took place in the early hours of Sunday in the Sabon-Wuse community, located within the Tafa Local Government Area. Metro, the farm manager, whose identity has not yet been released, was fatally shot after he attempted to confront the armed assailants.

The attack occurred around 2 a.m., when the hoodlums entered the farmhouses separately. While the manager was killed in one of the farmhouses, the three workers were taken captive from another location.

Hussaini Abubakar, the commander of the local security vigilante in Tafa, confirmed the unfortunate details of the incident. He stated that the gunmen first seized the three farmhands before turning their attention to the manager, who bravely confronted them as they were attempting to escape. “The manager was among those who tried to confront the gunmen, but tragically, he was shot to death in the process,” Abubakar explained.

Despite the quick response from local vigilantes and the police, the attackers managed to flee the scene before any arrests could be made. Abubakar noted that the police and vigilante forces arrived approximately ten minutes after the attack commenced, but the gunmen had already escaped with their victims.

The Niger State Police Command also released a statement regarding the incident. Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson, confirmed that two individuals were initially abducted during the attack, and he assured the public that efforts were being made to secure their safe return. Abiodun elaborated on the events of that night, stating, “On August 15 2024, at about 1:00 a.m., we received reports of armed men attacking a residence at Angwan-Aso, near Sabon-Wuse. A police patrol team from the Sabon-Wuse Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, was dispatched to the scene. Unfortunately, the hoodlums had already escaped with the victims by the time we arrived.”

During the attack, it was reported that the assailants encountered a security guard employed at a nearby poultry farm. The guard sustained gunshot wounds and was later rushed to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police have vowed to intensify their efforts to locate and rescue the abducted individuals unharmed.

This harrowing incident has once again highlighted the pervasive insecurity affecting rural communities in Nigeria, where farmers and agricultural workers often find themselves vulnerable to violent attacks and kidnappings. Such events contribute to a growing sense of fear and uncertainty among residents, who are calling for enhanced security measures to protect their livelihoods and lives.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, hoping for the safe return of the abducted workers and justice for the slain farm manager. The need for a coordinated response to combat the rising tide of insecurity is more urgent than ever, as families and communities grapple with the consequences of such brutal acts.

Reporting on this incident is Chika Otuchikere, who provides insightful coverage on relevant issues affecting the Nigerian populace. Her commitment to bringing attention to these critical matters is vital in raising awareness and advocating for change within the affected communities.