- Bandits ambushed soldiers in Niger State, killing six and abducting a captain in Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area
- The attack resulted in casualties among civilians and destruction of property, with the government promising efforts to address insecurity
Bandits launched a deadly ambush in Roro, Karaga, and Rumace communities of Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, resulting in the deaths of six soldiers and the abduction of a captain on Friday night.
Reports indicate that the soldiers, responding to a distress call, left their camps at Allawa and Erena when they were ambushed by armed bandits in Roro village.
In addition to the casualties among the military personnel, a hunter and two farmers were also reportedly killed during the attack. The bandits further inflicted damage by burning houses, food storage facilities, and motorcycles.
This incident follows previous deadly encounters, including the killing of 17 senior military officers, including soldiers and captains, in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, on March 14. Additionally, last year, three officers and 22 soldiers were killed during a bandit ambush in Niger State on August 13.
According to residents, the attack on Friday occurred around 9 pm and lasted for hours, with bandits riding motorcycles and shooting indiscriminately as they moved through the communities.
Despite attempts to contact the Military High Command for comment, there has been no response. However, Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier-General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the incident, assuring that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity issues and pledged support to the affected families. At the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a statement from the state police command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful.