Bandits kill 16 vigilante members, abduct 42 residents in Niger

Bandits have attacked communities in Mashegu localgovernment area of Niger State, killing about 16 vigilante members andabducting 42 residents. The attacks, according to a source, took place betweenSunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving several communitiesdeserted as people fled to other communities for their safety. According to him, “The bandits first stormed Dutsen Magajivillage on Sunday and abducted 22 people.” “When they came on Sunday, the vigilantes went after themand engaged them in a gun battle; in the process, three vigilantes were killedand five people are currently in the hospital.” He further explained that the attackers returned at dawn onThursday, November 13, invading Magama village during early morning prayers,stressing that they surrounded the mosque while people were praying andabducted more than 20 people. He stated that some vigilantes followed them, not knowingthe bandits had laid an ambush, pointing out that the bandits opened fire and13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured. In a statement, the Press Secretary to the chairman ofMashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the fallenvigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of theircommunities, Bokuta stated that the local government appreciated theirbravery and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe. The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP WasiuAbiodun, when contacted, assured

Read More