By Paul Joseph
Suspected terrorists have carried out a deadly attack on communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving casualties and widespread destruction in their wake.
The attackers reportedly invaded Bagna community on Tuesday, arriving on motorcycles and opening fire indiscriminately. Witnesses said the assailants also set houses ablaze, forcing residents to flee as panic gripped the area.
According to local accounts, the gunmen said to be over 100 in number used explosives to destroy buildings, with thick smoke rising across the community during the attack.
Initial reports from residents suggested that at least five people were killed, while several others sustained injuries, including members of local vigilante groups who attempted to repel the attackers.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that three fatalities were recorded. He said the victims included two vigilantes and a driver who were part of a joint security response team.
Abiodun added that security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers, eventually forcing them to retreat from Bagna and nearby Erena village.
Injured victims have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, while security personnel continue to maintain a presence in the area to prevent further violence.
Sources also revealed that the attackers had earlier rustled cattle from a neighbouring village before advancing into Bagna, where the situation escalated into a full-scale assault.
Although authorities say calm has been restored, residents remain traumatised by the incident and the scale of destruction left behind.
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