Residents of Shiroro LGA in Niger State say limited security presence has worsened vulnerability after bandit attacks killed at least 35 people and displaced many.
Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State has only a few security posts despite covering over 5,000 square kilometres, residents have said, following a deadly bandit attack that left at least 35 people dead on Tuesday. According to locals, only about four security posts—manned by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) Hunters and the Nigerian Army—exist across the vast area, located in Erena, Bassa, Baga and Galadima Kogo. The development has raised fresh concerns about the capacity to protect communities spread across a region larger than Lagos.
Residents said the latest attack began in Bagna village around 10 a.m., where armed bandits reportedly first targeted a DSS Hunters’ post before advancing into the community. A resident, Jibrin Danfatida, said: “There was an exchange of fire before the DSS hunters were overpowered. After overpowering them, they moved into the town. Even after this, there was no sign that they took hostages. Some people were still missing, but the attackers were searching people and collecting their money and phones. Near the village head’s house, people came out to help those affected. Instead of shooting directly at them, they were shooting into the air. Some people were forced to lie down while their phones and money were taken. It was those who tried to run that they shot.” He added that the death toll remained uncertain as families continued searching for missing relatives.
The attack has triggered fresh displacement across neighbouring communities, particularly along the Kaduna River axis, where residents say the drying river has made it easier for armed groups to cross into previously safer areas. Sani Abubakar, a resident of Alawa, said there had been a surge of displaced persons fleeing violence in Bagna and Erena. “The river has now dried up in some places, making it easier for bandits to cross. Because of this, rumours have spread that they have moved into the safer side of the local government. There has also been an influx of displaced people into safer areas. Whenever people hear that another community has been attacked, they immediately begin moving,” he said.