A group of armed robbers, believed to be illegal miners, launched a raid on MI Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State, on Saturday, stealing valuables and cash from six flats. The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m., lasted for more than an hour without any intervention from security forces.
The estate, which houses over 700 flats, has been repeatedly targeted by criminal gangs linked to illegal mining activities in the area, which is known for its rich gold deposits. Residents expressed growing concern over these attacks, which have left them feeling unsafe.
One resident, Abdullahi Abubakar, recalled a similar robbery in November when multiple homes in the estate were ransacked. “The illegal miners have made it impossible for us to live peacefully,” he said.
Dan Yaya, the son of a former Head of Service in the state, shared his frightening experience during the latest raid. He described how the robbers, after entering the compound, threatened his family and demanded money. He was forced to hand over N29,000 and mobile phones. Yaya also suspected that the robbers had inside knowledge of the estate’s layout, as one of them wore a mask and appeared familiar with the area.
In response, Commissioner for Homeland Security, Muhammad Bello, confirmed the robbery and assured that security agencies were actively addressing the situation. However, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, stated that no formal report of the incident had been filed with the police.
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