Six Dead, Two Missing as Bandits Strike Wawa Community in Niger State
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the killing of six villagers in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, following an attack by suspected bandits.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate two residents who remain missing after the assault.
Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun disclosed on Saturday that the incident occurred on January 22, when a man identified as Deshi and his son were attacked while travelling to their farm near Damala village, close to the Wawa National Park forest.
The son reportedly escaped and raised an alarm, prompting a search by relatives and local security groups.
According to Abiodun, security operatives later recovered six bodies on January 23, while Deshi and another individual are still unaccounted for. He added that search-and-rescue operations have been intensified to locate the missing persons.
A member of the community, Mohammed Musa, recounted that the violence began when bandits assaulted a young man heading to the farm. He said villagers who attempted to seek help were also attacked, resulting in multiple fatalities before security forces intervened.
Residents of Wawa described the atmosphere in the community as tense and sorrowful. A local source, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the village is in mourning following the recovery of the victims’ bodies.
The deceased were identified as Bokobe, Luku, a vigilante member, Bahgado Bohboh, Naziru Kidebe, Abdulrahman Kidebe, also known as Ogede, and Bashiru Dahtobeh who were all male residents of the community.
Community members have appealed to both state and federal authorities to strengthen security in the area, noting that repeated bandit incursions have forced many villagers to abandon their homes and farmlands.
The attack adds to a growing wave of violence in Borgu Local Government Area.
In recent weeks, security reports confirmed separate assaults in Damala and Kabe districts, where armed groups killed residents, destroyed property and abducted villagers, further deepening security concerns across the region.
