Tragedy: 61 Bodies Of Security Operatives And Civilians Recovered After D+adly Bandit Attack in Niger, Hundreds Displaced as Residents Flee Communities

No fewer than 61 bodies of security operatives and civilians have been recovered from the bush following a d+adly bandit attack on Tuesday in Bagna, Erena, and other communities in Erena Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents told Daily Trust that while civilians were buried in Erena, the remains of security operatives were taken to the mortuary of the Minna General Hospital.

A resident who spoke anonymously said victims included security operatives, including vigilantes, and civilians, although police claimed only three vigilantes were killed.

Among the d+ad was vigilante commander, Mr. Manga, who was reportedly rescued alive but later d+ed from g+nshot wo¥nds sustained during a g+n duel with the attackers.

Residents praised the response of security operatives who engaged and overpowered the attackers but blamed authorities for failing to act on prior intelligence.

Panic spread to nearby communities as residents of Bassa in Bassa/Kukkoki Ward fled on Thursday following rumours of another planned attack.

Videos circulating online showed women and children rushing to board canoes to escape to safer areas.

Hundreds have been displaced and are currently taking refuge at Zumba Central Primary School and other locations within Shiroro LGA.

One resident, Rabiu Iliyasu, said, “In the morning on Thursday, we just started seeing planes bombing the surroundings of our community, and the security operatives in our community felt they had to leave because they were not informed to avoid accidental k+llings.”

He added, “So, when they left, we all left because we had no one to protect us,”.

Another resident, Suleiman Abdullahi, said, “Rumours had it that the bandits were converging at a location close to Bassa and the security forces advised residents to take cover or move out of town.”Continue Your, Reading. .