Bandits kill six in Niger community, two missing

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that six villagers were killed by suspected bandits in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, and said it is intensifying efforts to locate two others who remain missing.

The attack occurred on Thursday when a father, identified as Deshi, and his son went to visit workers on their farm. The son narrowly escaped and alerted villagers, prompting local vigilante groups to mobilise in search of Deshi and the farmers.

Mohammed Musa, a community member, told PUNCH Online that the crisis began when bandits attacked a youth on his way to the farm.

“On hearing, his friends and family members went to get the cops, but they were also attacked. Six people lost their lives. The bodies were recovered today by the security operatives,” he said.

Security operatives later recovered the six bodies, while Deshi and one other person remain missing.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Saturday, Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun stated, “On January 22, 2026, at about 12 pm, the report indicated that one Deshi and his son, both of Wawa via New-Bussa, were attacked by bandits while on their way to visit workers on their farm at Damala village beside Wawa National Park forest.

“The son escaped and alerted relatives. On 23/1/26, security operatives recovered six bodies, while Deshi and one other remain missing. Efforts are being intensified to locate other missing persons

A source in the community, who requested anonymity, said the attack has caused fear and trauma among residents.

“The community of Wawa has confirmed the tragic loss of our brothers. Six bodies were recovered, and the community is in mourning,” the source said.

The victims have been identified as Bokobe, Luku, a member of the local vigilante group, Bahgado Bohboh, Naziru Kidebe, Abdulrahman Kidebe, popularly known as Ogede, and Bashiru Dahtobeh — all males from the same community.

The source added that Borgu LGA has suffered a series of bandit attacks, which have left many dead and forced residents to abandon their ancestral lands.

“We call on both the state and federal government to come to our aid and rid our land of bandits to restore peace,” the source said.

The recent attack is part of a string of violent incidents in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State.

Last week, the Niger State Police Command confirmed that four people were killed and several shops were set ablaze during a terrorist raid in Damala village, Woko District. In a separate attack, armed men believed to be bandits operating from Kainji Lake National Park struck a village market in Kabe District,Killing 30 villagers abducting scores, and setting the market on fire.