Dozens of residents have been killed and numerous homes destroyed in a fresh series of attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on villages in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Eyewitnesses report that the assaults began in the early hours of Saturday, with gunmen storming multiple communities, including Konkoso, Pissa, Zango, and Tungan Makeri. Residents described chaotic scenes as the attackers moved from village to village, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses and shops ablaze. At least 26 deaths have been confirmed so far, though locals fear the toll could be higher.
One survivor said:
“They stormed our villages on motorcycles early in the morning and fired indiscriminately. People ran for their lives while our homes were burned to ashes.”
The attacks appear to be part of a pattern of expanding insurgent activity, following a recent massacre in Kwara State that left over 160 villagers dead. Community members expressed growing fear as violent raids appear to be spreading from the northeast into Nigeria’s North-Central region.
As of now, security authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure, though local police are reportedly responding. Residents have criticized the delay, stating that security operatives were not present during the height of the attacks, leaving communities vulnerable.
Experts note that the northern and central regions of Nigeria have faced escalating violence from Boko Haram, allied jihadist factions, and bandit groups, resulting in mass casualties, widespread displacement, and economic disruption.
