Armed terrorists on Tuesday unleashed violence on communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least five residents and torching multiple homes.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 160 assailants on motorcycles stormed Bagna community, firing indiscriminately and using explosives to ignite houses, prompting mass evacuations.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Over 160 terrorists invaded Bagna early this morning and have been burning houses using explosives. As of this evening, the Bagna community is on fire with rising thick smoke.”
Eight vigilantes who tried to resist the attackers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The attackers had earlier rustled cattle from Nada village on Monday before turning their focus to Bagna.
Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said, “On 7th April 2026 at about 6:30 a.m., armed bandits invaded Bagna village and later moved to Erena village, but joint security forces engaged them and pushed the hoodlums out. Sadly, two vigilante members and a driver from the security team lost their lives, while others were injured. The area is relatively calm, and monitoring continues.”
