61 Bodies Recovered After Bandit Attack in Niger State Communities
In a tragic incident, the bodies of 61 security operatives and civilians have been recovered following a bandit attack on Tuesday in Bagna, Erena, and other communities within Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The remains were found in the bush, as confirmed by local residents who spoke to Daily Trust.
Burial and Mortuary Arrangements
Residents reported that the civilian victims have already been buried in Erena, while the bodies of the security operatives have been taken to the mortuary at Minna General Hospital. Among the deceased was Mr. Manga, the vigilante commander, who was initially rescued alive but succumbed to severe gunshot injuries hours later during a gun duel with the attackers.
Conflicting Reports and Government Response
A resident of Erena, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that the deceased included both security personnel, such as vigilantes, and civilians. However, police officials claimed that only three vigilantes were killed in the attack. While residents praised the security operatives for their response, which reportedly overpowered the bandits, they criticized the government for failing to act on prior intelligence that could have prevented the tragedy.
Displacement and Ongoing Threats
In the aftermath of the attack, hundreds of residents have been displaced and are currently seeking refuge at Zumba Central Primary School and other safer locations within Shiroro LGA. The situation escalated on Thursday when residents of Bassa in Bassa/Kukkoki ward evacuated their homes due to rumors that bandits were assembling nearby to invade the community.
Videos circulating on social media show residents, including women and children, struggling to board canoes to escape to safer areas. Rabiu Iliyasu, a fleeing farmer, explained that security operatives left the community after seeing planes bombing the surroundings, as they were not informed and feared accidental killings. This left residents unprotected, prompting a mass exodus.
Suleiman Abdullahi, another resident, confirmed that security forces advised people to take cover or leave town after hearing rumors of bandits converging near Bassa. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Niger State, with communities living in fear of further attacks and displacement.
