Four feared dead as bandits attack two villages, hospital in Niger

Four civilians have been killed and several houses razed after bandits attacked two communities and a hospital amid renewed communal violence between Fulani and Kamuku groups in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, made this known in a post on X, stressing that the attacks occurred on July 4 following recent hostilities between members of the two communities.

Zagazola said troops of the 45 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Kagara conducted a fighting patrol to Baka Cin Hatsi and adjoining villages after receiving reports of the violence.

According to him, the troops confirmed that the attackers invaded Anguwan Gizo and Anguwan Karaya villages, where they killed four civilians and set several houses ablaze.

The assailants, he said also raided Asmau Hospital, where some displaced Fulani residents had sought refuge from the violence.

The security expert noted that after the attacks, troops dominated the affected communities to prevent further violence and reassure residents.

“The Rafi Local Government authorities have imposed a 12-hour curfew, from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., to forestall reprisal attacks and restore calm in the area.

“Security forces would continue to maintain a strong presence while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks,” he said.