Four killed in fresh bandit attack on Niger community

Bandits have again attacked a community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing four residents and rustling large numbers of cattle.

The latest assault occurred late on Friday night at about 11 p.m. in Wawa community, barely one week after gunmen stormed Kasuwan Deji in the same local government area and killed 42 people.

Wawa, a mining community where activities are said to have continued illegally for some time, was attacked after residents had retired for the night. A reliable source from the area told reporters that the attackers appeared to have specific targets and moved directly to carry out their operation.

According to the source, the bandits, who were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the village and singled out their victims before stealing their cattle. The individuals killed were reportedly known to control large herds in the area, making them the primary targets.

“They went straight to their victims and killed them in their homes. They came with a clear purpose, achieved their objective without resistance, and left,” the source said.

It was further disclosed that all the stolen cattle were herded toward the Kainji Lake National Park forest within the Borgu axis on the same night. The forest reserve has reportedly served as a hideout for bandits in recent months, enabling them to operate freely.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed Nasiru, said the council was under sustained siege by terrorists. He appealed for urgent intervention and renewed calls for intensified security patrols around affected communities to stem the recurring attacks.