Gunmen struck in Niger State’s Rafi Local Government Area, killing a man identified as Gigi Danbaka and delivering a chilling message to his family—ordering them to return later and retrieve his corpse.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday at around 2:00 p.m. along the Gabi-Alawa Road in Ringa District, unfolded as Danbaka and his family were picking mangoes in the bush. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, armed men intercepted them, took Danbaka hostage, and set his family free with the grim instruction to return for his remains.
Security forces and local vigilantes launched a search operation after receiving a distress report at about 8:20 p.m. By Friday morning, at approximately 11:00 a.m., they discovered Danbaka’s lifeless body at the scene.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that investigations are underway to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Residents of Rafi LGA have expressed growing concerns over worsening insecurity, as the area has been plagued by violent attacks from bandits and criminal groups.
The latest killing underscores the ongoing security crisis in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities remain vulnerable to armed groups operating with impunity.
