Key Points
- Gunmen killed at least 20 people in Bagna and Erena villages in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, with residents reporting many more missing.
- Suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on mining sites in Barkin Ladi and farming communities in Riyom, Plateau State, killing two people.
- In Kebbi State, suspected Mamudawa terrorist elements raided Debbe, Shabanda and surrounding villages late at night, burning homes and killing scores, though police said casualty figures are still being verified.
They came before sunrise, riding motorbikes into the quiet villages of Bagna and Erena in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area. By the time they left, at least 20 people were dead, homes lay in ruins and survivors were already running.
Residents said the attackers operated for hours Tuesday, overwhelming community guards and outpacing whatever security response came. Many fled to the nearby towns of Gwada, Zumba and Galadima Kogo. Some are still unaccounted for.
“They came on motorbikes and began shooting,” said Jibrin Isah, a resident of Erena. “It was a surprise attack, because it was in the early hours of the morning.”
Police confirm deaths, dispute casualty count
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack but put the official death toll far lower than what residents described. Spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said two community guards and a driver from the joint security team were killed when gunmen invaded Bagna and Erena. Others sustained injuries, he said.
The gap between the police account and what locals are reporting is wide. Residents insist at least 20 died, with more still missing. Shiroro, about 250 kilometers from Abuja, is a known corridor for kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants. It is not the first time attacks there have produced conflicting accounts.
Plateau miners, villagers targeted in separate strikes
In Plateau State, violence arrived in two places almost simultaneously.
Gunmen stormed a mining site in Kok village, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area around 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, shooting indiscriminately. Ayuba Pam, 36, was killed. Two others were injured.
Hours later, attackers swept into Chenye village in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area, firing on residents. One man was shot dead.
Nefort Daniel, a Bachit resident, told reporters the gunmen came in shooting without warning. Rwang Tengwong, national publicity secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders, confirmed both incidents to journalists in Jos, saying more details would follow.
“The incidents have created confusion and fear in both communities,” Tengwong said.
Kebbi communities burned, scores feared dead
In Kebbi State, the attacks came late at night. Suspected Mamudawa terrorist elements hit Debbe, Shabanda and surrounding villages shortly after 10:30 p.m., killing residents and setting homes on fire.
Kebbi police spokesman Bashir Usman confirmed the raids but said casualty figures are still being verified. Police tactical teams from Illo Division responded and intercepted the attackers, neutralizing two of them. Officers also recovered a Niger Republic Army uniform and Immigration uniforms from the scene.
“While reports are still being verified, the command cannot confirm the casualty figures circulating,” Usman said. “However, we deeply sympathize with the affected communities.”
Additional security personnel have been deployed across the affected areas. Usman urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
The coordinated nature of the attacks across three states in a single week points to a security situation that remains dangerously fluid across Nigeria’s north.
