At least 16 vigilante operatives have been killed and 42 people taken hostage following a series of bandit incursions in several communities within Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Residents said the coordinated assaults occurred between Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13, 2025, forcing many villagers to flee their homes.
A resident, who requested anonymity, explained that the first attack happened on Sunday when bandits invaded Dutsen Magaji village and abducted 22 people.
“When they came on Sunday, vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle. In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital,” he said.
He added that the gunmen returned before dawn on Thursday, November 13, this time targeting Magama village during early morning prayers.
“They surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people. Some vigilantes followed them; not knowing the bandits had laid an ambush. The bandits opened fire and 13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured,” the source said.
The Press Secretary to the chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, issued a statement confirming the killings. He described the slain vigilantes as heroes who put their lives on the line to defend their communities, noting that the council appreciates their bravery and sacrifice.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incidents and provide updates later.
Residents also reported that since Monday, numerous settlements have been abandoned as families fled to areas such as Mashegu, Kawo-Mashegu, and Manigi. Some displaced villagers are currently staying with relatives farther away for safety.
Communities said to be deserted include Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa, and Magama.
Meanwhile, the abductors of former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have still not freed him, despite reports that his family paid a ransom of N70 million.
Niworo was kidnapped on Monday, September 29, 2025, along with the Permanent Commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmad Mohammed, their drivers and other passengers on the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.
(DAILY TRUST)