Wawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State has been plunged into grief following a deadly bandit attack that claimed six lives, according to the Niger State Police Command.
The attack, which occurred near the forested outskirts of the Wawa National Park, began when a farmer identified as Deshi and his son were assaulted by suspected bandits while heading to their farmland in Damala village.
Police said the incident happened around noon on January 22, 2026.
While the son reportedly escaped and raised the alarm in the community, his father was taken away by the attackers.
News of the incident triggered panic in Wawa, prompting relatives and local vigilante members to mobilise in search of the missing farmer.
The rescue attempt, however, turned tragic.
The search party was reportedly ambushed by the same armed group in the surrounding bush, leading to further casualties and the disappearance of several community members.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives were deployed to the area the following day.
During the operation, six bodies were recovered from the scene and evacuated.
Police said Deshi and one other person were still unaccounted for as of Friday, adding that search and rescue efforts were ongoing.
Security agencies have also intensified operations in the area to track down the attackers and prevent further violence.
The killings have left residents traumatised, deepening fear in a community already struggling with recurring insecurity.
Families of the victims are mourning, while many locals are reportedly considering fleeing the area due to concerns over continued attacks.
Community leaders have appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid spreading rumours or taking the law into their own hands, warning that such actions could worsen the fragile situation.
Borgu Local Government Area has in recent months experienced repeated assaults by armed bandits, forcing villagers to abandon their homes and farmlands.
The growing insecurity has disrupted farming activities and threatened livelihoods in the region.
Residents have renewed calls on the Niger State and Federal Governments to urgently strengthen security presence, intensify patrols around forest corridors, and dismantle bandit networks operating in the area.
Meanwhile, the police have advised residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being made to restore peace and protect lives in the affected communities.
