Two soldiers have been hospitalised after bandits operating in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State shot and wounded them at their military base.
Rafi is one of the hotspots local government areas in the state where bandits have been terrorising residents and making it impossible for the farmers to engage in their vocation.
The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Monday during a gun duel between the soldiers and the bandits.
Meanwhile, one of the bandits’ leaders was killed in the gun duel.
PUNCH Online learnt that the bandits were attempting to cross to Mashegu and Wushishi Local Government Areas of the state to rustle cattle when they encountered the soldiers.
The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Arwa, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the incident in a telephone chat with our correspondent.
Katako said the two shot soldiers were being treated at the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna.
He added that the military, police and vigilantes who are ensuring peace and security of lives and property in the state deserved to be commended.
“It happened in my domain. The two soldiers have been taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital where they are responding to treatment.
“The military, police and vigilantes are trying their best to ensure peace and security of lives and property in the state and they deserve to be commended,” he said.
Katako decried the continuous attacks on security operatives and called for patience, support and prayers to overcome the menace of insecurity bedevilling the state and Nigeria at large.
The state military cantonment in Minna could not be reached just as the police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, could not also be reached at the time of filing the report
(PUNCH)