Local vigilantes in Kontagora town, Niger State, reportedly engaged a group of armed bandits in a late-night gun battle on Thursday, successfully rescuing nine kidnapped victims.
The confrontation, which occurred between 9:00 and 10:00 pm, followed coordinated attacks by the gunmen on two communities—Waya and Basawa—in the Kontagora Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants first stormed Waya, abducting four individuals before proceeding to nearby Basawa, where they seized five more residents.
The swift response of the local vigilante group, however, prevented the bandits from escaping with their captives.
Sources revealed that the vigilantes intercepted the attackers at Umma Farms, located on the outskirts of Kontagora.
A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, leading to the safe recovery of all nine abductees.
Tragically, the clash claimed the life of one of the vigilantes, identified as Aliyu Agaji, while another member of the group sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
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“The vigilantes acted swiftly and bravely. Without their intervention, the situation could have been far worse,” a resident of the area told Daily Watch Nigeria.
As of press time, efforts to reach Niger State Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, for an official comment were unsuccessful, with multiple calls and messages left unanswered.
The incident underscores the growing reliance on community self-help groups in the face of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
Kontagora and its surrounding communities have witnessed a rise in armed invasions in recent months, placing local residents and security outfits on constant alert.
The latest rescue brings a moment of relief to the embattled region, even as concerns grow over the frequency and boldness of attacks by armed groups.