Militants claim 22 lives in Niger and Plateau, with numerous casualties in Kebbi

Gunmen have reportedly killed no fewer than 20 persons in several communities in Niger State and dozens more in Kebbi, in a series of attacks that have left many dead and displaced.

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Yesterday, terrorists attacked miners at a mining site in Kok village, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one person and striking fear into the hearts of the local residents.

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In a separate incident, the terrorists also attacked Chenye village in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area of the state, killing another person and bringing the total death toll in the state to two.

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Suspected bandits have killed dozens of people and set homes ablaze in several communities in Kebbi, with the raids affecting Debbe, Shabanda, and nearby villages, according to reports.

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In Niger State, the attack occurred in Shiroro LGA, where residents said the assailants operated for hours, destroying homes and overwhelming security personnel, who were unable to stop the carnage.

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Many villagers have reportedly fled to nearby towns such as Gwada, Zumba, and Galadima Kogo for safety, in a bid to escape the violence that has gripped their communities.

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The Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, has confirmed that gunmen invaded Bagna and Erena villages on Tuesday, killing two community guards and a driver, and injuring several others.

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A 36-year-old man, identified as Mr. Ayuba Pam, was killed in the attack on the mining site in Barkin Ladi, which occurred at about 6:10 p.m. as people were leaving the site.

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The terrorists targeted both the mining site in Barkin Ladi and the Bachit community in Riyom, striking fear into the hearts of the local residents and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

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Nefort Daniel, a resident of Bachit, has described the attack on his community, saying that the attackers stormed the community and fired sporadically, killing one person and injuring several others.

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Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders, has also confirmed the incidents, and has promised to provide more details to the press.

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The Kebbi police spokesman, Bashir Usman, has confirmed the attacks in his state, but said that the exact number of casualties is still being verified, and that the command cannot confirm the casualty figures circulating.

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Usman has stated that police tactical teams from Illo Division swiftly responded to the attacks, intercepting the attackers, neutralising two of them, and recovering a Niger Republic Army uniform and Immigration uniforms.

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Additional security personnel have been deployed to prevent further attacks, according to Usman, who has urged the public to remain calm as more details emerge, and to cooperate with the security agencies.