11 killed, many injured in Bauchi, Niger communities’ attacks

The terrorists also set the houses ablaze.

A member of the Bauchi community, who spoke anonymously, narrated that many residents were fast asleep when the bandits struck around midnight, catching them unawares.

According to villagers, the gunmen searched homes for money and valuables, killing some residents in the process without provocation.

The attack, which reportedly lasted for more than two hours, left six people dead, several others injured, and an unspecified number of residents abducted.

The source added that no security operatives arrived during the operation, leaving the community at the mercy of the attackers, who carried out the assault unhindered.

Funeral prayers for the victims were later held in the village, led by the Chief Imam, with residents and people from neighbouring communities in attendance. After the prayers were held in front of the Village Head’s palace, the bodies were taken to the burial ground for interment.

Efforts to obtain reaction from the state Police Command were unsuccessful, as the spokesman of the Command, Superintendent of Police Nafiu Abubakar, did not respond to messages sent to his WhatsApp number.

 Alkaleri has remained a hotspot for banditry, with armed groups launching a series of deadly attacks in the local government area in early this year.

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 The assaults have resulted in casualties, including soldiers, vigilantes, and residents. Communities such as Gwana, Mansur, and Pali have been repeatedly targeted, forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

Sources and videos from the Niger community showed villagers fleeing the community and communities around Bagna to avoid being victims of another attack of the terrorists.

A source from the community said the houses were blown off with explosives adding that several houses were burnt during the attack.

The source also said eight vigilantes were injured in their attempt to confront the terrorists but were outnumbered.

Though reports from the communities around Bagna state that security agencies have been mobilised to the area, the security agencies are yet to confirm the incident.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, while responding to The Nation, said he would send out a statement when he has information about the incident but as at the time of filing the report, he was yet to do so.