Scores feared killed as bandits overrun Niger community

Bandits on Saturday stormed Pissa Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing scores and razing more than 40 houses in a coordinated attack that left the community devastated.

Tribune Online gathered that the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of the morning, opening fire indiscriminately on villagers and setting houses ablaze, while those that could not be accessed were reportedly torched from outside.

Sources in the community said the assailants arrived on more than 200 motorcycles and entered the village through multiple routes, catching residents off guard and launching attacks from different directions.

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One of the villagers, Umaru Musa, who escaped the assault, said many residents fled into surrounding bushes as the gunmen advanced.

“Many of us narrowly escaped death. I ran through the bush to a neighbouring village before making my way to Babanna town,” he said.

On the casualty figure, Musa said it was difficult to determine the exact number of those killed as many residents scattered to nearby communities during the attack.

“Many people were killed, but most residents escaped through the bushes to neighbouring villages and towns. We are still trying to contact people by phone, but some numbers are not going through,” he added.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the police received reports of the attack at about 9 a.m.

“Report received indicated that suspected bandits invaded Pissa Village in Borgu Local Government Area. Three persons were reportedly killed during the attack, while some houses were set ablaze,” he said.

Abiodun disclosed that military personnel responded promptly and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat.