Hajara Ya’u Madawaki, a displaced resident of Tudun Magaji in Kontagora Local Government Area, has recounted the killing of her children during a violent bandit attack that forced residents to flee their homes.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, Madawaki described the chaos and trauma faced by survivors. Many hid in pits and slept in the bush, receiving little or no assistance from authorities.

“My children were killed before my eyes. Some were taken away and only their bodies were returned. Some of us have never even seen their bodies. We spent nights gasping for breath, hiding in pits. We received no help from the authorities,” she said.

Madawaki also highlighted the challenges displaced families face in meeting basic needs. Some rely on materials from their abandoned homes, such as roofing sheets, to generate income for rent.

“There is no form of palliative. The little assistance we sometimes see often goes to non-displaced people. We don’t receive anything, and the leaders and community members are aware of it,” she added.

She called on the government to strengthen security in the area, suggesting that a permanent military presence could deter bandit attacks.

“The government should help us with military and security personnel. Often, when security forces are sent, they stay on the outskirts or leave quickly. Bandits take advantage of this to attack,” she explained.

Madawaki described the harsh living conditions of displaced residents. “We have slept in the bush, under trees, in the rain and sun. Sometimes you see the bandits approaching, and we have to run for our lives,” she said.

The attack in Tudun Magaji reflects ongoing insecurity in Niger State, where banditry has displaced hundreds and strained local resources.

Authorities have yet to respond publicly to the claims of inadequate relief and the urgent security concerns raised by Madawaki and other survivors.