Fresh tragedy has reportedly struck communities in Niger State after several civilians were allegedly killed during a military airstrike in Guradnayi settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area.
According to multiple local sources, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday as security forces reportedly carried out aerial operations targeting terrorists operating around the area. Residents claimed the strike happened at about 5 a.m. while many villagers were attempting to flee ongoing attacks by armed groups.
One resident, identified as Auta Awododo, alleged that no fewer than 12 people were killed inside a relative’s house during the bombardment.
He said some of the victims were displaced residents from Kusasu who had sought refuge in Guradnayi following repeated terrorist attacks in nearby communities.
Locals further claimed that suspected terrorists riding motorcycles had passed through the area while military aircraft were reportedly pursuing them. According to eyewitness accounts, one bomb allegedly landed near a river in Kusasu before another struck Guradnayi village.
The latest incident has sparked grief and anger among residents, especially as some community members claimed similar tragedies had happened previously in the area during counterterrorism operations.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had not released an official statement regarding the alleged civilian casualties.
