Armed bandits have killed at least six residents and set a police station ablaze in coordinated attacks on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, deepening fears over persistent insecurity in the region.
The assault began in the early hours of Saturday when gunmen invaded Tungan-Makeri village through the Shafachi District axis.
According to police authorities, the attackers struck at about 3:00 a.m., unleashing violence that left multiple homes in ruins and several families displaced.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that six people lost their lives during the raid.
He added that an unspecified number of residents were abducted amid the chaos, while numerous houses were set on fire.
Residents, however, said the attack appeared to have started late Friday, when a large convoy of armed men reportedly stormed the village, shooting indiscriminately and burning property.
Witness accounts suggest the assailants operated for hours with little resistance.
An eyewitness from Zagatina village, located along the route taken by the attackers, recounted seeing dozens of motorcycles ferrying the gunmen.
He claimed he counted more than 40 motorcycles, each carrying two or three riders, and in some cases women and children.
The resident said he fled into nearby bushes upon sighting the convoy, fearing for his life as the armed group passed behind his home.
After wreaking havoc in Tungan-Makeri, the bandits reportedly advanced to Konkoso district, where they torched a police station.
Community members described both Tungan-Makeri and Konkoso as prominent towns within Borgu LGA, raising concerns about the attackers’ audacity and the vulnerability of key settlements.
Some residents reported seeing an Air Force aircraft hovering around Tungan-Makeri shortly after the initial onslaught.
They believe the aerial presence may have compelled the gunmen to retreat from the area.
In response, joint security teams have been deployed to conduct on-the-spot assessments and stabilise the affected communities.
Authorities said operations are ongoing to rescue abducted victims and restore calm.
The incident has once again spotlighted the security challenges facing parts of Borgu LGA, with residents urging both state and federal authorities to reinforce security presence and prevent further attacks.
