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Tensions soared recently in the Izom Suleja area of Niger State as enraged villagers set fire to the home of retired soldier Mr. James Ossai in Angwan Tudu. This violent reaction followed a horrific bandit raid that left five people dead and over 90 villagers kidnapped. The incident began when bandit kidnappers launched a deadly raid on the Izom Suleja area, killing five individuals and abducting over 90 others, including women and children.
The terror-stricken villagers directed their anger towards Mr. Ossai, accusing him of provoking the bandits. Reports indicate that as the bandits approached Angwan Tudu, Mr. Ossai fired his gun into the air in defense of his family. This act allegedly diverted the bandits towards the Izom Suleja community, where they inflicted their deadly assault.
An aggrieved villager recounted that the local vigilante had confirmed the bandits’ initial target was Angwan Tudu. However, Mr. Ossai’s gunfire caused them to change course, resulting in the tragic events in Izom Suleja. The villagers, convinced that Mr. Ossai’s actions led to the attack, retaliated by burning down his house and driving his family away.
Ossai managed to escape with his son, Chinedu Ossai, but his wife, Mrs. Philomina Ossai, and daughter, Isusu Ossai, were abducted during a subsequent raid by the bandits on Sunday night. The current location of Mr. Ossai and his son remains unknown. Community leader Alhaji Hawa Ibrahim expressed deep frustration with Mr. Ossai’s repeated confrontations with the bandits.
He revealed that the community had consistently warned Mr. Ossai against such actions, fearing they would incite further violence. Despite these warnings, Mr. Ossai remained adamant about defending his family. Local vigilante groups and police are now working tirelessly to rescue the kidnapped villagers, including Mrs. Philomina Ossai and her daughter. The community remains on edge as authorities strive to improve security and prevent future attacks.
