Tragedy struck in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State as eight local hunters were killed during a violent clash with heavily armed bandits.
The incident occurred in Hunyo/Sabon Wuri village, located in Dusai Mahoro District, after bandits invaded the area and rustled dozens of cattle, according to local sources.
The attack, which happened on Tuesday, has thrown the community into mourning as residents express fear over the rising cases of banditry in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the hunters, who were part of the community’s self-help security structure, attempted to intercept the bandits as they moved the stolen cattle through the village. However, they were ambushed and overpowered.
“The hunters confronted the bandits with local weapons, but the bandits were better armed. It was a fierce fight,” one resident, who requested anonymity, told reporters.
According to him, the hunters were determined to stop the criminals and recover the stolen livestock, but the attackers were large in number and carried sophisticated rifles.
In response to the attack, security agencies mobilised quickly. A joint team made up of Police Mobile Force operatives, the divisional police patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bangi, moved to the scene of the attack.
Though their swift arrival helped prevent further casualties and scattered the bandits, they arrived after the initial deadly encounter, when the hunters had already suffered heavy losses.
Niger State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) is yet to issue an official statement, but police sources confirmed that eight hunters were confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Local authorities say the stolen cattle have not yet been recovered, and search efforts are ongoing in nearby forests and communities.
A community leader in Dusai Mahoro, Malam Isa Dankede, lamented the growing insecurity in the area, saying this is not the first time bandits have struck the region.
“Our people are tired. Every time it’s one attack after another. These hunters were only trying to protect our cattle and our families. Now, eight are dead. What are we supposed to do?” he said.
He called on the Niger State Government and the Federal Government to provide more security presence in rural communities constantly being targeted by bandits.
The incident has renewed calls for better support for community security groups, who often operate with limited resources against heavily armed criminal gangs.
Local residents say that many of the villages in Mariga LGA have been forced to rely on hunters and vigilantes due to the lack of permanent police or military presence.
Over the past two years, Niger State has witnessed frequent attacks by bandits, particularly in areas like Mariga, Munya, Shiroro, and Rafi LGAs. These attacks often involve cattle rustling, kidnapping, and killings, leaving many communities displaced and afraid.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but authorities believe the attackers are part of a larger network of armed bandits operating across the North Central and North West regions of the country.
As of the time of this report, security operations are still ongoing in the area, and the Niger State Police Command is expected to release further details on arrests, recovery efforts, or next steps.
