At least six persons have reportedly lost their lives following coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Tungan-Makeri and neighbouring Konkoso in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Residents said the violence erupted around 8pm on Friday when a large number of armed men invaded Tungan-Makeri, shooting repeatedly and torching several houses.
Locals disclosed that the attackers operated for hours, killing six people and forcing many families to flee their homes.
A resident of Zagatina village, situated along the route taken by the assailants, said he observed dozens of motorcycles conveying the gunmen.
“They moved in large numbers through our village. I counted about 41 motorcycles, each carrying two or three persons. I also saw women and children among them,” he said, adding that he quickly took cover in the bush behind his house when he realised the group was approaching.
The attackers were said to have proceeded to Konkoso in the early hours of Wednesday, where they allegedly carried out another operation without encountering resistance.
During the invasion, a police station in the town was reportedly set ablaze, heightening fear among residents.
Community members described Tungan-Makeri and Konkoso as key settlements within Borgu LGA, noting that the scale of the attacks has deepened concerns about worsening insecurity in the area.
Some residents further claimed that a military aircraft was sighted over Tungan-Makeri shortly after the initial assault, a development they believe may have compelled the gunmen to withdraw.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
The incident has sparked fresh calls from residents for increased security presence to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in the locality.
