Bandits have reportedly taken over the Kainji National Park in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Reports claim they have equally established their camp in the famous games reserve.
This has forced staff of the National Park have abandoned their duty post while communities in the area have abandoned their farms and other business activities.
Vice Chairman of Borgu LGA, Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, aka Lambus, who confirmed the development, described it as very worrisome and disturbing.
It is understood that the bandits now come from their hideout in the National Park to attack innocent travellers along the busy Wawa-Luma highway, connecting Benin Republic.
Two weeks ago, the bandits were reportedly spotted on over 100 motorcycles at the entrance gate of the National Park suspected to be holding a meeting. The entire Wawa-luma Road was blocked on that day, as nobody could pass it for several hours.
It was also gathered that the men of the Nigerian Custom Service have closed down their checkpoint at Wawa-Babana, a border town with Benin Republic, due to the activities of the bandits.
Borgu LGA boss said on Tuesday, the bandits attacked a commercial Sharon bus along the 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.
He said the injured ones with several cutlass cuts on their bodies were currently receiving treatment at a government health facility in New Bussa, while those kidnapped are still being held by the gunmen.
