Governor Opens Up, Says Bandits Have Attacked Niger 50 Times In JanuaryYour support matters. Sustain independent journalism in Nigeria – contribute to Legit.ng. The governor of Niger state, Sani Bello, has decried the continuous attacks on the state by bandits since the beginning of the year 2022. Daily Trust reports that Bello who spoke to journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Villa on Tuesday, January 18, said that the state has witnessed nothing less than 50 attacks by bandits in Niger. According to the governor, since January 2022, the bandits have succeeded in killing 165 civilians, 25 security personnel and 30 local vigilantes within 17 days. Read also Tragedy hits Nigeria again as bandits kill 13 in fresh attack in Niger state He said in the past 17 days, 300 communities in the state have been invaded by the bandits while 200 persons, including three Chinese nationals, were abducted. PAY ATTENTION: Subscribe to Digital Talk newsletter to receive must-know business stories and succeed BIG! Bello said: The Punch reports that Bello added that he is confident in the capability of security agencies and personnel on the ground to curb the activities of these bandits in Niger. Noting that a lot of work still needs to be done, Bello said he has seen an impressive zeal among security operatives in the state which gives hope that the challenge would soon be a thing of the past. Read also Insecurity: We have done our best, we’ll do more, Buhari insists Bello said: The police have confirmed the killing of 13 innocent Nigerians by bandits in the Shiroro local government area of Niger state. According to the police, the actual number of those killed is different from the numbers being circulated. The police said the assailants attacked villagers who were harvesting crops on their farm in Nakundna village in the Shiroro council area. Several hunters from three different communities in Plateau and Niger states have been abducted by terrorists. Residents of the community said the incident occurred after the hunters had collaborated with local vigilantes to smoke out the terrorists from their hideouts. The bandits also killed about 52 people in the communities after a house to house search for hunters and local vigilantes. Source: Legit.ng About 200 people have been killed by bandits in Niger state since the year started in January 2022 This disclosure was made by the governor of Niger state, Sani Bello, when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa on Tuesday, January 18 Governor Bello said the attacks have also affected 300 communities that have been invaded by the bandits in January Your support matters. Sustain independent journalism in Nigeria – contribute to Legit.ng. Subscribe to Digital Talk newsletter to receive must-know business stories and succeed BIG! “This afternoon, I came to visit Mr President to give him an update on the security situation in Niger State with regard to banditry activities, kidnapping, and cattle rustling among others. “But with the kind of zeal, I have seen from our security agencies and all services. I’m very optimistic that the situation will be addressed. And hopefully, we should get a very peaceful state within the shortest possible time."