Bandits pillage Niger community

Suspected bandits have attacked Kigbera village in Konkoso Ward, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, burning houses and business premises in an incident highlighting the security situation in the area.

The attack reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon when the armed men invaded the village, which had largely been deserted following repeated threats and attacks on communities in the area.

Kigbera is located near the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, around Babana in Borgu Local Government Area.

Residents said several communities in the area had been abandoned amid persistent attacks.

Many displaced residents have reportedly relocated to nearby communities, including Kontagora, New Bussa and Mokwa, while others have crossed into the neighbouring Republic of Benin to seek safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, lamented that those responsible for protecting lives and property had failed to provide adequate security for the affected communities.

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The resident called on the federal and Niger State governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to intensify efforts to restore peace and security to the area.

The source also expressed concern that despite the presence of military, naval and Air Force facilities in New Bussa, communities in the affected parts of Borgu continued to face attacks, allegedly because the security installations were too far away to provide timely protection.

The continued attacks have raised concerns about the safety of rural residents, the destruction of livelihoods and the displacement of communities along the border.

As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies are yet to issue official statements on the reported attack.