At least 13 people, including security personnel, are feared dead following coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on three communities in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Reports indicated that the incident reportedly occurred around 4 p.m. on Tuesday when a large group of gunmen, riding on approximately 100 motorcycles, stormed the area.
An eyewitness who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said the attackers, believed to have come from neighbouring Zamfara State, operated in groups of three per bike.
The targeted communities were Kumbashi, Bangi, and Mongoro.
Among those killed were a mobile police officer and two members of the local vigilante group.
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Several others were said to have sustained injuries during the attack.
Another source disclosed that the assailants also destroyed a communication mast during the raid, further cutting off the affected villages from help.
The attacks are suspected to be in retaliation for a recent Nigerian Air Force operation that reportedly targeted and destroyed some of the bandits’ hideouts in the region.
Speaking on the incident, Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Abbas Garba, confirmed the attacks but said he could not immediately verify the number of casualties.