Nigeria, Oct. 15 -- Suspected bandits have killed five farmers, abducted 18 people and burnt houses and shops in separate attacks in Niger State, forcing community residents to flee their homes.

According to Daily Trust, the attacks occurred between 9 and 12 October in Fanga in Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA), and in Kigbere and Kokani in Borgu LGA.

The latest attack occurred in Fanga on Monday after residents reportedly failed to meet the armed men's demand for millions of naira in levies, according to the newspaper.

A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust anonymously, said the attackers invaded the community in the afternoon, burnt houses and shops, and killed five people.

"They set one of our trucks ablaze, broke into many shops a...