Suspected bandits have again attacked a community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving at least four people feared dead and several cattle rustled. The latest attack has renewed fears among residents of the area, coming barely one week after gunmen killed 42 people in a nearby community.
The incident occurred around 11 pm on Friday in Wawa, a rural community in Borgu LGA. Residents said the attackers struck when most villagers had gone to bed, taking them by surprise. The gunmen reportedly moved freely in the community, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, local sources said four people were killed during the attack. The assailants were also said to have made away with an unspecified number of cattle, which is a major source of livelihood for many families in the area.
This fresh attack has deepened concerns about the worsening security situation in Borgu Local Government Area and other parts of Niger State. Just a week earlier, gunmen invaded Kasuwan Deji, another community in Borgu, where no fewer than 42 people were reportedly killed in a deadly raid that shocked the state and the nation.
Residents of Borgu say the attacks have become frequent and more deadly, with bandits targeting villages, killing residents, abducting people, and stealing livestock. Many communities now live in fear, especially at night, as they believe they could be the next target.
Wawa, the community attacked on Friday night, is known as a mining area. Reports indicate that mining activities in the community have been going on illegally for some time without proper regulation. Security experts and local leaders have often warned that illegal mining sites attract criminal elements, including bandits, who take advantage of weak security to operate freely.
Residents believe the presence of illegal mining activities may have contributed to the repeated attacks, as armed groups often target such areas to extort money, steal minerals, or hide from security forces.
The location of Borgu Local Government Area also raises serious security concerns. The area is close to the Kainji National Park, which spans parts of Niger and Kwara states. Over the past few months, the park has reportedly served as a hideout for bandits and other criminal groups.
Security sources and community leaders have repeatedly said that bandits take advantage of the vast forest and difficult terrain of the park to launch attacks on nearby communities before retreating into the forest to avoid arrest. Despite several military and police operations in the past, residents say the criminals continue to operate “at will” in the area.
Confirming the latest attack, the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed Nasiru, described the situation as dire. He said the local government area is under siege from armed bandits, whom he referred to as terrorists.
“Our local government is under serious attack. These criminals are killing our people and destroying their means of livelihood,” Nasiru said.
He called on the state and federal governments to urgently intervene by deploying more security personnel to the affected communities. According to him, existing security efforts are not enough to stop the frequent attacks.
“I am calling for help and renewing the call for intensification of security patrols around communities being attacked,” the council chairman said. “Our people can no longer sleep with their eyes closed.”
Nasiru also appealed to security agencies to increase patrols around Wawa, Kasuwan Deji, and other vulnerable communities in Borgu. He said there is an urgent need for sustained military and police presence to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Many residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as slow or inadequate response by security agencies after attacks occur. Some villagers said security operatives often arrive hours after the bandits have left, making it difficult to track or arrest the attackers.
The situation in Borgu reflects the broader insecurity challenges facing Niger State and many parts of northern Nigeria. In recent years, banditry has spread across several states, including Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and parts of Kebbi. Criminal groups carry out attacks on villages, kidnap residents for ransom, and steal livestock, causing widespread fear and displacement.
Niger State, in particular, has faced repeated attacks due to its vast landmass, forests, and proximity to major highways and forest reserves. Communities near forested areas are often the most affected, as criminals use these forests as safe havens.
Following the attack in Kasuwan Deji last week, the Niger State Government had promised to work with security agencies to restore peace in Borgu. However, Friday night’s attack in Wawa has raised questions about the effectiveness of those measures.
As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Residents, however, continue to call for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.
For now, fear remains high in Wawa and surrounding communities. Many residents are considering fleeing to safer areas, while others say they have no option but to stay and hope for improved security.