INSECURITY 30 killed in fresh attacks in Niger as terrorists’ video spreads panic in Kwara

*Security agents analysing footages -Kwara Govt

BY ORIAKU IJELE & KEHINDE AKINPELU

Peace once again eluded some communities in Niger State as gunmen numbering nearly 200 on motorbikes killed over 30 people and burned houses and shops during raids early yesterday.

The Daily Monitor on Sunday learnt that the villages attacked have boundaries with Benin Republic and the incident has sparked widespread anxiety in the area.

Police have confirmed the attack, with Wasiu Abiodun, Niger state spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, saying, “Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village, six persons lost their lives, some houses were also set ablaze and a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were abducted.”

He said that the assailants had moved on to Konkoso village, while details of other attacks remained unclear as at press time.

The attack in Konkoso appeared more deadly as Jeremiah Timothy, a resident who fled to a nearby town, said the attack on his village began in the early hours with sporadic gunfire.

“At least 26 people were killed so far in the village after they set the police station ablaze.”

Another witness, said the attackers swept through the area targeting the villages.

“The bandits stormed our town around 3am (local time), riding so many motorcycles while shooting sporadically, beheading six people and killing others. They set shops on fire and forced the whole village to flee,” Ibrahim said.

Meanwhile in neighbouring Kwara State which has been witnessing some security breaches lately, terrorists sent waves of anxiety amongst citizens when they released a video, where they paraded their captives from the raid on February 3.

Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Government said it was deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community.

“As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.

“We acknowledge the anxiety that this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown.

“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the State Government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro. Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for. It is important to note that some persons initially reported missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.

“The Government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced persons.

“We assure the public that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders. We urge residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities.”