In a harrowing incident that has reignited concerns over escalating banditry in Nigeria’s North Central region, a 13-year-old girl was hospitalised following a brutal gang rape by three armed bandits in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
The attack occurred on Thursday, November 27, as the victim, identified as Hasi ya A. Bawa from Kudodo village in Golkogo ward, was returning from a local market accompanied by her senior brother, Rabiu A. Bawa.
According to details shared by prominent security analyst Bakatsine on his X (formerly Twitter) page late Thursday evening, the assailants intercepted the siblings, subjected the young girl to a prolonged sexual assault in the presence of her brother, who was reportedly forced to watch helplessly, and then fled the scene.
Hasi ya was rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, though specific details on her condition remain undisclosed pending further updates from local health authorities.
Rabiu, traumatised by the ordeal, is receiving counselling support from community leaders.
Bakatsine, known for his in-depth coverage of insecurity in Nigeria’s volatile northwest and north-central zones, described the event as part of a “renewed activity of banditry in Lakpma axis,” a notorious hotspot for such crimes along trade routes and rural pathways.
In his post, he lamented the vulnerability of affected communities, posing a poignant question: “How long will communities remain this vulnerable?”
AFRIPOST reports that this assault shows the persistent threat posed by bandit groups in Niger State, where kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent raids have surged in recent months despite military operations aimed at curbing the menace.
Local residents and rights groups have repeatedly called for enhanced security patrols, community alert systems, and federal intervention to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children traversing isolated areas.
Authorities in Shiroro LGA have yet to issue an official statement, but the Niger State Police Command confirmed to reporters that investigations are underway, with a joint task force deployed to the Lakpma axis to apprehend the perpetrators.
Advocacy organisations, including women’s rights networks, have condemned the attack and urged swift justice.
As Nigeria grapples with intertwined challenges of insurgency and criminality, incidents like this serve as stark reminders of the human cost borne by rural communities.