Minna — Armed bandits have killed seven members of a local vigilante group following a deadly attack on Matseri Camp in Kotonkoro District of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in communities bordering Niger and Zamfara states.
According to information obtained by Gaskiya News Hausa, the heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the vigilantes’ camp from the Sangeko area of neighboring Zamfara State and launched a surprise assault, opening fire on the security volunteers.
Sources said the vigilante operatives swiftly mobilized and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for some time.
Despite being outgunned, the local security volunteers reportedly put up stiff resistance and succeeded in inflicting casualties on the bandits during the exchange of fire.
However, the attackers eventually overwhelmed the camp, resulting in the death of seven vigilante operatives.
Residents described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks on local security personnel in the area in recent months, noting that the slain vigilantes had been actively supporting efforts to protect communities from recurring bandit raids.
The latest attack has sparked fresh fears among residents of Mariga and surrounding communities, many of whom have endured repeated assaults by criminal gangs operating across forested areas linking Niger and Zamfara states.
Community members have called on security agencies to intensify operations against the armed groups and strengthen the protection of vulnerable settlements and local security camps.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges confronting parts of North-West and North-Central Nigeria, where armed bandits continue to target communities, security personnel, and local vigilante groups.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while efforts were ongoing to ascertain the full extent of casualties suffered by the bandits during the gun battle.
The slain vigilantes have been hailed by residents as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of their communities against criminal elements terrorising the region.
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