Three women running from bandits deliver babies in Niger bush

Three pregnant women have delivered babies in the bush while fleeing from terrorists who attacked their communities in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State over the weekend.

The Nation learnt the attack, which began on Friday, was still ongoing as at Sunday afternoon.

The communities attacked include: Mabirni, Zoma, Bado, Yangalu, Buga Zabbi and Ataba.

The terrorists were said to be closing in on Ibeto town.

The number of persons killed and abducted is unknown.

Of of the three women who delivered babies while fleeing, one is said to be missing.

Fleeing villagers only found the newly born baby in the bush.

The Chairman of Magama local government, Safiyanu Garba Ibeto, confirmed the incident.

“The bandits entered Magama local government through Mabirni, Zoma, Bado, Yangalu. Presently, they are close to Ibeto, right now they are about 23 km to Ibeto,” he said.

An elderly woman, Malama Khadijat Abdullahi, explained two of her daughters, mothers of five and three, were among the abductees.

She said the bandits have contacted them for negotiation of N3m ransom.

Most of the affected villages have been deserted as at Sunday morning with the terrorists said to be rustling cows in some villages.

Residents of the affected communities have taken refuge in Kontagora.