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

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday while the vigilantes were meeting to strategise on how to respond to the reported movement of suspected bandits towards the community.

A community source said the victims were taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where the injured are receiving treatment.

The commander of the Kukoki vigilante group, Ayuba Umar Kamas, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview and alleged that the explosive was dropped by 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 group and dropped an explosive.

Describing the incident as “very unfortunate and painful,” Kamas said seven members of the group were killed.

He said four of the deceased were from Kukoki, one from Bassa and three from Matuku.

Kamas added that eight others were injured, with some reportedly sustaining severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.

According to him, the vigilantes had gathered after receiving information about the movement of suspected bandits in the area.

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

The vigilante commander questioned why the alleged air operation targeted the group while the suspected bandits were reportedly able to continue their movement.

Kamas also said Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who is from the local government, was contacted after the incident and helped facilitate the evacuation of the injured.

He said the victims were initially transported from the affected area on motorcycles before being taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.

Kamas added that vigilantes from neighbouring Rafi Local Government Area assisted in burying the deceased, but claimed that neither the state nor local government authorities had provided support to the affected community.

He further disclosed 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 alleged airstrike or explaining the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

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

Seven Vigilantes Reportedly Killed in Alleged Airstrike in Niger

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