Two prominent residents of Kulho and Maikade villages have been confirmed dead following a violent night-time raid by suspected bandits on Wednesday.
The attack, which unfolded in the Mashegu Local Government Area, left several others injured, sparking renewed fears among locals over persistent insecurity in the region.
According to security analyst Bakatsine, who posted details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, the gunmen descended on the neighboring communities under the cover of darkness, opening fire and causing panic.
Among the deceased was Alhaji Yahaya, the brother of the Imam of Kulho village. The Imam himself reportedly sustained injuries during the attack but is said to be recovering.
In nearby Maikade village, the assailants also gunned down Alhaji Bello Maikade, a well-known and respected elder in the community.
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“Yesterday night, bandits stormed Kulho and Maikade villages in Mashegu LGA, Niger State. They killed Alhaji Yahaya, the brother of Kulho’s Imam (who was injured but survived) and also murdered Alhaji Bello Maikade,” wrote Bakatsine, sharing initial details of the tragedy.
So far, authorities have not issued an official statement on the incident, though local residents are calling for an urgent response from security forces and government officials.
The attack marks yet another episode in the wave of violence and rural insecurity that has plagued parts of Niger State and other regions in north-central Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted remote communities.
As families mourn the victims, calls for enhanced protection and meaningful action continue to echo throughout the region.