Bandits have killed the eldest son of the Emir of Kontagora, Bashir Namaska, at his father’s farm alongside other farm workers at Masuga village along Kontagora-Rijau road in Niger State.

According to reports, the traditional ruler’s son was the Sardauna or Kontangora and had been holding the fort for his father who was reported to have been sick for some time.

He was said to have been shot by the bandits on Thursday and was rushed to the hospital before he was pronounced dead.

According to reports, the bandits also abducted some people on their way out of the town.

Reacting to the news, the Niger state governor, Abubakar Bello said: “It is really disheartening to hear about the death of Bashir, especially at a time when intense military operations are ongoing in some parts of the state to rid the state of criminal elements.

“As painful as the death is, the situation will only spur my administration to ensure that the fight against banditry in the state is won”.

Bello, however, described the death of the prince as heart-breaking and devastating and condoled with the emir and the people of Kontagora Emirate over the loss.

“My deepest condolence goes to the Emir and the people of Kontagora Emirate as this is indeed a great loss, but we should all be consoled by the fact that it is a necessary end for all mortals,” Bello said.