Residents of Niger State were thrown into panic on Tuesday after armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on three communities in Shiroro Local Government Area, leaving at least three people dead and several others injured.
The affected communities Lanta, Tunga, and Bagna are located in Erena Ward, an area that has in recent years experienced repeated security threats linked to armed bandit groups operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
According to local residents, the attack began around 10:30 a.m. in Bagna, the hometown of Emmanuel Umar, a former commissioner for internal security in the state.
Eyewitnesses said dozens of gunmen riding motorcycles stormed the communities and operated for several hours, firing sporadically and causing widespread fear among residents.
The attackers reportedly moved between the villages with little resistance, forcing many villagers to abandon their homes and flee for safety.
A resident of Bagna, who spoke about the incident, said the situation was chaotic as people struggled to escape the attackers.
So far, three bodies have been recovered, but the number of casualties could be higher because many people sustained injuries during the attack,” the resident said.
He added that several victims were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds and other injuries while some families continued to search for missing relatives.
The violence forced many villagers to flee to Erena Town, which residents consider the nearest relatively safe settlement in the area.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as families rushed out of their homes with whatever belongings they could carry. Many elderly residents and children were seen trekking long distances to escape the attackers.
Community members are now calling on both the state and federal governments to urgently deploy security personnel to the area to prevent further attacks.
We are pleading with the government to rescue us. Our communities are under threat and people are living in fear, the resident added.
The Niger State government has confirmed the incident. The state Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Bello Magaji, said authorities had received credible reports about the attack and were working closely with security agencies to respond to the situation.
Yes, the state has received credible information regarding the attack, and we are already collaborating with security forces to address the situation, Magaji said.
He did not immediately provide details about the number of casualties or whether security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities.
The latest attack adds to the growing security challenges confronting rural communities in Niger State, particularly in Shiroro Local Government Area, where bandit groups frequently carry out raids, kidnappings, and violent attacks.
Security analysts warn that the continued presence of armed groups in forested areas surrounding communities in the region has made it difficult for residents to carry out normal economic activities such as farming and trading.
Local leaders say the recurring attacks have displaced many families and disrupted livelihoods, forcing some communities to rely on neighbouring towns for safety.
For residents of Lanta, Tunga, and Bagna, the immediate concern remains the safety of their families and the urgent need for security intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
