Suspected bandits have killed an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), four villagers and set a market ablaze in separate attacks on communities in Niger State.
The attacks occurred along the Tungan Taya–Woko axis in Borgu Local Government Area and in Mashegu Local Government Area, where residents were reportedly forced to flee their homes following the violence.
The immigration officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Immigration I (ASI I) Ibrahim Usman Babagiwa, was killed while carrying out a surveillance operation with an Inspector of Immigration.
The Niger State Command Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration I Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the incident, saying the officers came under attack while operating along the Tungan Taya–Woko axis.
According to reports, the accompanying inspector sustained machete injuries but managed to escape, while Babagiwa was killed and his body set ablaze by the attackers.
The command subsequently disclosed that Babagiwa’s remains were recovered in a burnt state two days after the attack. He was later buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The circumstances surrounding the assault and the identities of the perpetrators were not immediately established.
In a separate incident in Mashegu Local Government Area, suspected bandits reportedly killed four villagers and burnt down a market after residents allegedly refused to pay levies imposed on them before harvesting their crops.
A resident, Mohammed Aliyu, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, said the attack forced residents to abandon the community for fear of further violence.
He added that the market was completely razed as the attackers operated freely, leaving the community deserted.
The alleged imposition of levies on farmers underscores the threats facing rural communities, where armed groups reportedly demand payments from residents seeking to cultivate their land, harvest crops and carry out other livelihood activities.
The attacks have renewed concerns about the security situation in Niger State, particularly in rural communities bordering areas affected by banditry.
The killing of Babagiwa also highlights the risks confronting security personnel deployed on surveillance and other operations in vulnerable areas.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the four villagers killed in Mashegu, the exact location of the burnt market and any arrests made in connection with the attacks had not been confirmed.
There was also no independently verified information on additional security measures introduced in response to the incidents.
