No fewer than 32 farmers are feared dead following coordinated attacks by heavily armed bandits on three rural communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State in the early hours of Saturday.
The affected communities—Tugan-Makeri, Konsoko, and Pissa—were reportedly overrun by gunmen who struck in succession, killing residents, burning homes, and abducting an unspecified number of people. Local sources described the assaults as prolonged and devastating, leaving behind charred buildings and dozens of casualties.
Residents told journalists that the first attack began around 3:00 a.m. in Tugan-Makeri village, located in Konkoso Ward of Borgu LGA. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed the community under the cover of darkness, opening fire on unsuspecting villagers.
At least six people were confirmed dead in the initial onslaught. Several houses were also set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
A resident of the area, Hassan Abdullahi, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated with little resistance for hours.
“They came in their hundreds and surrounded the village. People were caught off guard because it was still dark. By the time anyone realised what was happening, they had already started shooting,” he said.
The attack on Tugan-Makeri marked the beginning of what residents described as a coordinated campaign of violence across neighbouring communities.
After wreaking havoc in Tugan-Makeri, the bandits reportedly moved to Konsoko and Pissa communities at about 6:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and setting structures ablaze.
Residents said the gunmen fired indiscriminately as they entered the villages, causing widespread panic. Many villagers reportedly attempted to escape through farmlands and forested areas, but several were killed during the chaos.
In the attacks on Konsoko and Pissa, at least 26 additional people were reportedly killed, bringing the total number of fatalities across the three communities to 32. However, local sources cautioned that the casualty figure could rise, particularly in Pissa community in Kabe/Pissa district, where the exact number of victims has yet to be fully ascertained.
In addition to the loss of lives, multiple buildings were torched, including residential houses and a police outpost. The destruction of the police facility has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities in Borgu LGA.
Hassan Abdullahi said the gunmen, estimated to number over 200, operated in the area for several hours without interruption.
“The attack started around 6:00 a.m. in Konsoko and continued until about 10:00 a.m. They moved from one point to another. People were running in different directions,” he said.
He added that the affected communities are located approximately 200 kilometres from the Nigerian Air Force Base in New Bussa, the headquarters of Borgu Local Government Area, underscoring the remoteness of the area and the challenges associated with rapid security response.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attack on Tugan-Makeri village.
According to him, the police received a report at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday indicating that suspected bandits had invaded Tunga-Makeri around 3:00 a.m.
“On 14/2/2026 at about 6:00 a.m., a report was received indicating that at about 3:00 a.m., suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village via Shafachi District in Borgu LGA. During the attack, six persons lost their lives, some houses were set ablaze, and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons were abducted,” Abiodun said.
He confirmed that the attackers later moved toward Konsoko village but noted that details of the incident there remained sketchy at the time of briefing.
“The terrorists were also reported to have moved to Konkoso village, while other details remain sketchy,” he added.
Abiodun stated that joint security teams had been mobilised to the affected communities for on-the-ground assessment and to initiate rescue operations for abducted victims.
“Meanwhile, joint security teams have been mobilised to the scene for assessment, and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing,” he said.
The latest attacks have once again drawn attention to the deteriorating security situation in parts of Niger State, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to armed groups. Borgu LGA, with its vast forested terrain and sparse security presence, has experienced repeated incursions by bandits in recent years.
Residents say the scale and coordination of Saturday’s attacks suggest a well-organised group operating with significant manpower and weaponry. The reported involvement of more than 200 attackers has intensified fears of further violence.
Local leaders have called on state and federal authorities to strengthen security presence in the area, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response capabilities.
The destruction of a police outpost during the assault has further complicated security efforts. Observers note that such facilities often serve as first points of response in rural communities, and their destruction may embolden criminal elements.
Beyond the confirmed fatalities, the attacks have left scores of families displaced. Survivors are said to be taking refuge in neighbouring communities or seeking shelter with relatives.
With homes destroyed and farmlands abandoned, many residents now face uncertainty about their livelihoods. The majority of those killed were reportedly farmers, raising concerns about the impact of the violence on agricultural productivity and food security in the region.
Community members are also grappling with the psychological trauma of the attacks. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as gunfire echoed through the villages.
“We have never seen something like this,” one resident said. “They came in large numbers and stayed for hours. People are afraid to return home.”
As security operatives continue to assess the extent of the damage, the precise number of casualties in Pissa remains unclear. Officials have indicated that a comprehensive review of the affected communities is underway.
Authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue abducted victims. However, residents remain apprehensive, urging swift and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
The coordinated nature of the attacks on Tugan-Makeri, Konsoko, and Pissa has once again underscored the persistent threat posed by armed bandits in rural Nigeria. For the people of Borgu LGA, Saturday’s violence represents not only a tragic loss of life but also a stark reminder of the urgent need for strengthened security interventions in vulnerable communities.
