The grim toll of Tuesday’s bandit attack on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State has continued to rise, with no fewer than 61 bodies of security operatives and civilians recovered from the area in the aftermath of the assault.
Residents said the corpses were retrieved from surrounding bushes days after the abduction of the victims. While the civilian dead have since been buried within Erena community, the remains of the slain security personnel were deposited at the Minna General Hospital mortuary.
According to a resident of Erena who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, the casualties included vigilantes, other security operatives, and civilians. However, police authorities reportedly confirmed only three vigilantes killed in the attack a figure that contradicts accounts from community members on the ground.
Also Read: Ex-South-East Governors Back Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid Ahead of 2027
Among the victims was the vigilante commander, identified as Manga, who was rescued alive after sustaining gunshot wounds during a gun battle with the attackers but later died from his injuries.
Residents expressed appreciation for the security operatives who responded to the attack and eventually repelled the assailants. However, they directed sharp criticism at the government, alleging that authorities failed to act on prior intelligence that could have prevented the incident.
The crisis has since spilled beyond the immediate communities. On Thursday, residents of Bassa in Bassa/Kukkoki ward fled their homes following rumours of an impending bandit invasion, with videos circulating on social media showing women and children scrambling to board canoes in search of safer locations.
The attack has displaced hundreds of residents, many of whom are now taking refuge at Zumba Central Primary School and other locations within Shiroro LGA.
A fleeing farmer, Rabiu Iliyasu, explained the circumstances of the evacuation. He said residents abandoned their homes after noticing aerial bombardments around their community, adding that security operatives withdrew without prior notice to avoid accidental casualties, prompting civilians to also flee for their safety.
Another resident, Suleiman Abdullahi, disclosed that rumours of bandits gathering near Bassa prompted security forces to advise residents to either take cover or evacuate.
Community members noted that the area had enjoyed relative peace over the past year before the resurgence of attacks on Tuesday a reminder of how fragile security gains remain across Nigeria’s troubled North-Central region.
The Niger State government is yet to issue an official comprehensive statement on the full casualty figures or outline any emergency response plan for the thousands of displaced residents now sheltering in makeshift locations across Shiroro LGA.
National Concord Blog will continue to monitor developments in Shiroro and surrounding communities.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
