Bandits have attacked communities in Mashegu local government area of Niger State, killing about 16 vigilante members and abducting 42 residents.
The attacks, according to a source, took place between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving several communities deserted as people fled to other communities for their safety.
According to him, “The bandits first stormed Dutsen Magaji village on Sunday and abducted 22 people.”
“When they came on Sunday, the 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 further explained that the attackers returned at dawn on Thursday, November 13, invading Magama village during early morning prayers, stressing that they surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people.
He stated that some vigilantes followed them, not knowing the bandits had laid an ambush, pointing out that the bandits opened fire and 13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured.
In a statement, the Press Secretary to the chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the fallen vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of their communities,
Bokuta stated that the local government appreciated their bravery and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted, assured.
