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

“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,” Niger state governor Abubakar Bello said

“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,” the governor said.”

Born in 1979, late Bashir served Kontagora Emirate in many capacities, among which were the District Head of Kontagora I and Sardaunan Kontagora, the positions he held until his demise.

He was also the Director-General of the Niger State Public Procurement Board between 2013 and 2015.

Namaska was the Sardauna of Kontagora and had been standing in for his sick father, the Sarkin Sudan, for some months.

The deceased was said to have been shot by the bandits on Thursday and later rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.