Bandits storm Niger community, kill 6, burn police station

Armed bandits have reportedly killed six people in Tungan-Makeri and set a police station on fire in nearby Konkoso, both located in Borgu Local Government Area.

Residents said the attack on Tungan-Makeri began around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, when more than 200 gunmen stormed the village, shooting sporadically and setting several houses ablaze. Panic spread across the community as families fled their homes to escape the violence.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants remained in the area for several hours, leaving at least six people dead and many others displaced. A police station in the nearby Konkoso community was also reportedly set on fire during the incident.

An eyewitness from Zagatina village, along the attackers’ route, said he counted dozens of motorcycles conveying the armed men.

“They passed through my village and I counted about 41 motorcycles, with two or three persons on each, including women and children on some.

“I quickly hid myself in the bush when I noticed them coming because they passed through the back of my house,” the resident said.

Following the assault on Tungan Makeri, the bandits were said to have moved into Konkoso on Wednesday morning, where they reportedly operated without visible security presence.

During the incursion, a police station in the town was set ablaze, further escalating tension in the area.

Residents described Tungan-Makeri and Konkoso as the major towns in Borgu LGA, heightening concerns over the growing boldness of the attackers.

There were also reports that an Air Force aircraft was sighted around Tungan Makeri after the initial attack, a development some residents believe forced the bandits to withdraw from the village.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has once again raised concerns over security in parts of Borgu LGA, with residents calling for urgent reinforcement to prevent further attacks.