A pastor, Dauda Yosi Kwaki attached to the Seraphim Movement Church in Mangorata Town in Munya LGA of Niger State has opened up on how he slept in the bush for 19 days to escape bandits.
The pastor shared his experience with Vanguard, recalling how he escaped from the bandits along with his family of eight.
He said that while he was in the forest he virtually had nothing to eat and drink.
The clergyman explained that his community was invaded by bandits terrorists on March 27.
He stated that the armed men forced the door of his home open and carted valuables away.
However, he hid with others in a nearby bush to avoid been caught by the bandits and remained there for 19 days to ensure his safety.
According to him: “Our community was invaded by the bandits on March 27 and they broke into my church and residence with the aim of killing me and my family, but God saved us. Out of annoyance, they destroyed the pulpit, chairs, drums and other musical instruments they met. They also forced the door of my house open and carted away all valuables they could lay their hands on. I was hiding by the river close to my church with others also in the bush and heard them banging on the doors of the church. I escaped into a nearby bush where I stayed for 19 days virtually with nothing to eat or drink before I finally escaped to Gurusu village where I am presently managing.
“My wife and five of our seven children have temporarily relocated to Nasarawa State, while the two other children are now in Gurusu in Niger State. Since January, I have not been able to see my wife and the other five children, while I have not also set eyes on the two others residing in Niger state.
“Since we have been residing in these communities, we have never witnessed the type of raid on us like it happened few weeks ago. The bandits rode on 300 motorcycles with each carrying no fewer than two passengers and fully armed. They divided themselves into three groups with some in Kapana and Dangunu from where they carried out their dastardly act on the people.”
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, in an interview said the state had taken steps to review the security architecture of Munya LGA following incessant attacks on some communities there.
