Suspected Boko Haram fighters have reportedly killed at least 21 people in new attacks on villages in the Borgu and Ngaski Local Government Areas of Niger State.
The deadly raids took place late on Monday night and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, according to a security source who spoke to our correspondent. The gunmen were said to be heavily armed and moved from one community to another, opening fire on residents and burning homes and shops.
The worst hit was Konkoso community, where local leaders say at least 21 people were confirmed dead after the attackers stormed the village.
Other communities also suffered serious losses. The gunmen reportedly struck Pissa, Zango, and Tungan Maƙeri, burning houses, destroying property, and creating fear among villagers who fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
Villagers who spoke to this newspaper said the attackers arrived without warning. One resident, who escaped with bullet wounds, said he heard gunshots and cries as the gunmen fired relentlessly.
“It was terrible,” he said. “They came suddenly. We ran for our lives. People were shouting and crying. There was no time to think.”
The full toll of the killings is still unclear, as many residents are still missing or have not returned home due to fear of further attacks.
The latest attacks have sparked fear and anxiety across several communities in Niger State, especially because attacks of this nature are rare in the state’s western border areas.
Borgu and Ngaski share borders with the Republic of Benin and are traditionally seen as quieter compared to areas in the northeastern parts of Nigeria where Boko Haram has been most active.
Boko Haram is an Islamist extremist group that has waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. The group has carried out bombings, suicide attacks, and raids on villages, leading to thousands of deaths and millions of people being displaced.
Until recently, most of the group’s activities were in the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. But in the past few years, security experts have warned that fighters splintered into different factions are increasing raids in the northwest and central parts of Nigeria.
Security analysts say the Boko Haram group may be moving fighters across borders to escape pressure from Nigerian troops in the northeast. The group is also believed to be forming alliances with armed gangs and criminal groups in northwest states.
A local chief in Borgu, who asked not to be named, said villagers are now living in fear.
“We have always been peaceful people,” he said. “Now we hear gunshots at night and people running into the bush to hide. This is not the life we want. We want the government to protect us.”
Residents said many families have fled their homes, fearing another wave of attacks. Some are sleeping in farms and bushy areas to avoid being targeted.
Local government officials in Borgu and Ngaski confirm that they are meeting with security agencies to find ways to protect communities. But they appealed for urgent help from both the state and federal governments.
In response to the attacks, officials of the Niger State Government and security agencies have condemned the killings and promised to strengthen protection in vulnerable communities.
A statement from the Niger State Police Command said detectives and military units have been deployed to the affected areas to pursue the attackers and restore calm. The statement condemned the killings in the strongest terms and said efforts are underway to rescue any trapped residents.
“We strongly condemn this wicked and barbaric act by these criminals. Police and other security forces are working together to bring those responsible to justice,” the police statement said.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said it has begun efforts to support displaced families, including providing food, shelter, and medical assistance where needed.
In the capital, Minna, the State Governor said in a brief address that the government will not rest until the perpetrators are apprehended and peace returns to the affected communities. He also urged residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with any information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.
Meanwhile, thousands of people displaced by the violence are still without shelter or basic needs. Aid workers said the situation is likely to worsen if more attacks occur.
“We need urgent support for these families,” said a volunteer with a humanitarian group working in the region. “They have lost loved ones, homes, and means of livelihood. We must not abandon them.”
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