By Deborah Nnamdi
No fewer than 40 people, including security operatives, vigilantes, and civilians, have reportedly been killed following coordinated attacks by terrorists on Bagna, Erena, and Yelwa communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources said the attackers ambushed a security camp, resulting in the deaths of about 30 special forces personnel and operatives, alongside at least 10 vigilantes. The casualty figure is, however, feared to be higher.
Residents said the violence escalated on Tuesday morning when the Bagna community came under heavy attack, forcing many to flee. One resident, who spoke anonymously, said over 200 armed men stormed the area, setting houses ablaze with explosives and leaving the community engulfed in thick smoke.
It was also gathered that several vigilantes were killed and others injured when their camp, which they shared with operatives of the Department of State Services, was set on fire as they attempted to repel the attackers. The sources noted that the defenders were overwhelmed by the terrorists’ superior firepower.
The attack is believed to have followed an earlier incident on Monday in which the assailants rustled cattle from Nada village before moving into Bagna, where they launched further assaults.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Morris Magaji, confirmed the attacks but did not give details on the number of casualties.
