Seven Vigilantes Killed, Eight Injured in Alleged Airstrike in Niger

At least seven vigilantes have reportedly been killed and eight others injured after an explosive was allegedly dropped on a group gathered at Kukoki-Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday when members of the local vigilante group gathered to strategise on how to respond to information about the movement of suspected bandits towards the community.

A community source told DAILY POST that the victims were taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where the injured are currently receiving treatment.

The commander of the Kukoki vigilante group, Ayuba Umar Kamas, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, alleging that the explosive was dropped from a military aircraft.

Kamas said the vigilantes were holding a meeting when three aircraft were sighted in the area. According to him, one of the aircraft allegedly flew towards the direction of the group and dropped an explosive that struck the gathering.

He described the incident as “very unfortunate and painful,” confirming that seven members of the group were killed.

According to Kamas, four of the deceased were from Kukoki, one from Bassa and three from Matuku.

He added that eight others sustained injuries, with some reportedly suffering severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.

The vigilante commander said the group had gathered after receiving information about the movement of suspected bandits in the area.

He alleged that about 250 motorcycles were being used by the suspected bandits, while some of the criminals were reportedly moving rustled cattle through the area.

Kamas questioned why the alleged air operation targeted the vigilantes while the suspected bandits were allegedly able to continue moving through the area.

He disclosed that Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, who is from Shiroro Local Government Area, was contacted following the incident and assisted in facilitating the evacuation of the injured.

According to him, the victims were initially transported from the affected area on motorcycles before being moved to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.

Kamas further said vigilantes from neighbouring Rafi Local Government Area assisted in burying the deceased.

However, he claimed that neither the state government nor the local government authorities had provided assistance to the affected community.

The commander added that the community had been largely deserted following the incident, amid renewed fears of attacks by suspected bandits.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Niger State Government, Nigerian Air Force or other security agencies confirming the reported airstrike or explaining the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The allegation that the explosive was dropped by a military aircraft could not be independently verified.