MINNA, Nigeria—At least 26 people are feared dead following a series of coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on several communities in Niger State. The raids, which took place between Friday and Saturday, saw homes destroyed and a police outpost set ablaze.
Local residents reported that the violence began in the village of Tunga-Makeri in the Borgu Local Government Area early on Friday morning, where at least six people were killed. The attackers then moved to the villages of Paso and Konkoso, where witnesses described a scene of devastation.
An eyewitness, Mohammed Ibrahim, told local media that seven people were “slaughtered” in Konkoso alone, with the total death toll in that village reportedly rising to 26. “This is how they destroyed the Pissa police outpost,” he said, describing the attackers encountering little resistance from security forces.
Police Confirmation
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the raids but stated that details remain “sketchy.” Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the initial attack in Tunga-Makeri, stating that houses were set on fire and an unknown number of residents were abducted.
“A joint security team has been deployed to the area to assess the situation and rescue victims,” Mr Abiodun said. He did not immediately comment on the reports that a police station had been burned down.
Ongoing Insecurity
The attacks are the latest in a wave of violence across central and northern Nigeria, where armed gangs—locally known as bandits—frequently carry out mass abductions for ransom and deadly raids on rural communities.
The surge in violence has prompted increased pressure on the Nigerian government to bolster security in remote areas. On Sunday, some political groups criticised the federal response, arguing that current security measures have failed to deter the groups from terrorising residents.
Joint operations involving the police and military are currently underway in the affected districts to recover those who were kidnapped and to secure the territory.
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