Suspected bandits have attacked the Baga community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, killing five villagers and abducting about 150 others after setting several houses ablaze.
A source from the community said the heavily armed attackers stormed the area and unleashed violence using sophisticated weapons and explosives.
According to the source, many residents who fled into nearby bushes for safety were pursued and shot, while others were rounded up and taken away by the assailants.
“The gunmen were many and are believed to have entered the community from neighbouring Kaduna State to wreak havoc,” the source said.
He added that members of the local vigilante group who attempted to resist the attackers were also shot and sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were reportedly taken to the hospital for treatment.
The source further disclosed that several homes were set on fire, with thick smoke seen rising from different parts of Baga and surrounding villages, indicating widespread destruction.
Security personnel have since been deployed to the area in efforts to restore order, rescue those abducted, and prevent further attacks.
Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area, Ishyaku Bawa, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, stating that casualties had been recorded and several others were injured.
“Yes, bandits invaded the community, and some villagers were killed, while some were injured,” he said.
Bawa added that authorities were currently attending to the injured at a hospital but could not provide further details at the time.
