The Kainji National Park at New Bussa, in Borgu Local Government Council of Niger State, has allegedly been taken over by bandits, who have establish their camp in the area.
This development, has however forced some staff of the National Park to abandon their duty post for safety after sustain attacks by the bandits.
Communities in the game reserve are also said to have abandon their farmlands and other business activities for fear of being killed by the rampaging bandits.
It was gathered from a source close to the communities around the National Park that over two hundred gunmen (200) are believed to be occupying the game reserve which they have turned to be their camp.
The source further revealed that, due to the activities of the bandits, even the forest guards that helped to provide security at the park have disappeared.
It also learnt that the bandits now come from their hideout in the National Park at will to attack innocent travellers on the busy Wawa-Luma highway, connecting Benin Republic from Nigeria.
Just two weeks ago, the bandits were spotted on over one hundred motorcycles at the entrance gate of the National Park suspected to be holding meeting where the entire Wawa-luma road was blocked on that day, as nobody could pass for several hours.
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It was also gathered that men of the Nigeria Custom Service Niger — Kogi Area Command have closed down their checkpoint at Wawa-Babana, a border town with Benin Republic, due to the activities of such bandits.
It was gathered that Last week the bandits have attacked a commercial Sharon bus on Wawa-Luma Road and kidnapped the entire passengers in the bus, including the driver. They also reportedly injured three others on motorcycle, while one escaped into the bush.
But further investigation by Radio Nigeria correspondent in Niger recalled how the check point was closed down by men of the Custom Service due to closure of borders and not bandit attacks.
When contacted, Vice Chairman of Borgu Local Government Council, Malam Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, confirmed the development, describing it as worrisome and disturbing thereby calling on relevant bodies to come to their aid.
Meanwhile, Niger state police command could not be reached for comments at the time of filling this reports.