By Correspondent in Minna
Peace seems to be on the way for communities in Niger state being ravaged by criminals, as the combined efforts of the Joint Security Task Force stationed in Erena community,Shiroro Local Government of the state in the early hours of Tuesday, repelled suspected terrorist groups that attacked the town.
Our correspondent in Minna reports that the battle between the joint security task forces, characterised by gun duel, lasted for several hours.
The bandits had invaded the town at about 4 in the morning in their numbers for usual coordinated attempt to unleash havoc on the people but could not succeed.
Surces indicate that the joint security task force put up brave fight against the attackers with superior fire power thereby preventing them (armed bandits) from annihilating the community.
An eye witness and Co- Covener of Shiroro Youths Forum, Mallam Bello Ibrahim, recounted the trauma they went through as the battle for supremacy between the terrorist group and the joint security forces raged.
He told journalists that an operational vehicle belonging to the joint security force was set ablaze by the bandits.
“Yes, I can confirm to you that in the early hours of today, terrorists in their large numbers stormed Erena town in an attempt to unleash havock on defenceless, peaceful and unsuspecting locals,” he said.
Ibrahim gave an update on the security situation in the area however hinted that the invaders met stiff resistance from the Joint Security Task Force comprising; conventional security and local Vigilante stationed at the, Day Secondary School, Erena.
He said: “They engaged in fierce gun battle which lasted for several hours and that made it impossible for the criminals to gain access into Erena town”.
“We started hearing sporadic gunshots and as the clock ticked the gunshots could be heard from all over the places louder and after some hours the firing gradually started fading away.”
Ibrahim, however, said it was not possible to ascertain the casualty figures from both sides as the entirevarea has been condoned off by security forces.
“The casualties are not known yet, but an operational vehicle belonging to the gallant security men was seen burnt down by the terrorists”.
“Though they lost a vehicle but happily enough, the deadly attack was successfully repelled, kudos to our galant officers and local vigilantes for the heroic outing”.
Meanwhile, all efforts to get the police confirm the attacks proved abortive as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abiodun Wasiu,refused to pick his calls.