The residents of the M.I. Wushishi Estate in Minna, the capital of Niger State, have been ordered by suspected bandits to leave the estate or face death.
The miscreants, who are believed to be miners, broke windows and automobiles when they broke into the estate after the majority of the male inhabitants had left for work.
According to a local who requested to remain anonymous on Monday, the attack happened after neighbors went to the local police station to report the incident.
The resident said, “Hoodlums we suspect are miners in the neighbourhood have asked all the residents of MI Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, the Niger State Capital to vacate their homes or get killed.
“These guys invaded the community in broad light, breaking window glasses. several cars were also damaged.
“You will know that the attack came after residents reported to the police how illegal miners in the community have caused damage to our homes.
“These guys told us that they were coming for us and they came. They came after most men had gone to work. Many top civil servants, including directors and permanent secretaries, live in the estate.
“I know of many people who have moved out of the estate this evening for fear of the attacks. Nowhere is safe in the state. If bandits and terrorists are not chasing people from their homes it is hoodlums and miners. Where is government for the Sake of Allah.
The Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, acknowledged the attack when reached on Tuesday, but he also mentioned that the estate was now peaceful.
“On 02/09/2024 at about 1400hrs, a distress call was received that suspected illegal miners, miscreants/thugs engaged in a fight and were attacking houses at M.I Wushishi Estate, Minna.
“Police patrol teams led by DPO Maitumbi moved to the scene and the miscreants were dispersed, however, one person among the gangs whose identity is yet to be known was killed by the hoodlums, and was taken to the general hospital morgue.
“Meanwhile, normalcy was restored, investigation is ongoing to arrest the assailants and the patrol teams have been positioned in the area to forestall reoccurrence,” the spokesman said.
