Suspected bandits have killed three residents and set several houses ablaze during an attack on Pissa village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the state police command.
The attack, which occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, has heightened security concerns in parts of the state barely days after authorities dismissed reports of a planned bandit invasion that triggered panic among schoolchildren and residents in Minna, the state capital.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security agencies received reports that armed assailants invaded the community, killing three persons and destroying property.
“The report received indicated that suspected bandits invaded Pissa village in Borgu LGA. Three persons were reportedly killed during the attack, and some houses were set ablaze,” Abiodun said.
He added that military personnel were swiftly deployed to the area and engaged the attackers, although details of the operation were still being compiled.
“However, the military responded and engaged the terrorists, but further details are still sketchy,” he stated.
The latest attack comes amid renewed fears over insecurity in Niger State following widespread rumours earlier in the week of a possible bandit attack on schools in Minna.
The unverified reports sparked panic among pupils and students, many of whom reportedly abandoned classes and rushed home before the close of school hours. Concerned parents also contacted school authorities to verify the situation.
At the time, the police command reassured residents that no attack had occurred, noting that officers had visited the schools mentioned in the reports and found no security threat.
Saturday’s incident in Borgu, however, underscores the persistent security challenges facing parts of the state, particularly communities located near forested areas that have increasingly become hideouts for armed groups.
Security agencies have continued operations across affected areas as efforts intensify to curb banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the North-Central region.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives by providing timely information that could aid ongoing efforts to track and apprehend criminal elements operating in the area.
Source: NAN
