Bandits kill 3, burn houses in Niger village — Police

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three people by suspected bandits in Pissa village, Borgu Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the bandits attacked the village at about 9:00 a.m. He said some houses were set ablaze during the attack, but added that the bandits were engaged by the military, though details of the encounter remained sketchy at the time of the report.

“The report received indicated that suspected bandits invaded Pissa village in Borgu LGA. Three persons were reportedly killed during the attack and some houses were set ablaze. However, the bandits were engaged by the military in the area, and we are awaiting detailed feedback on the operation,” Abiodun said.

He said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified patrols across the local government area to prevent further attacks. The spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and to report any suspicious movement to the nearest security post.

Saturday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents reported in parts of Niger State in recent weeks. The state, which shares borders with Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, has been a recurring flashpoint for bandit activity, with armed groups staging raids on rural communities and motor parks.

In a separate incident on Saturday, seven members of a local vigilante group were killed after armed bandits attacked a security camp at Matseri in Kotonkoro District of Mariga Local Government Area of the state. The attackers reportedly came from the Sangeko area of neighbouring Zamfara State, according to security expert Bakatsine who shared information about the attack on X.

The two incidents have renewed concerns about the capacity of local security outfits to hold ground against organised armed groups operating across state lines. The Niger State Government has not yet issued a formal statement on the latest attacks.

Sources: Daily Trust