BREAKING: Tension In Niger State As Terrorists Burn Down Several Houses
Residents of Maje village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State were thrown into panic on Friday night after suspected Boko Haram terrorists reportedly attempted to invade the community, setting several houses ablaze before being repelled by local vigilantes.
According to local sources cited by a source, Bakatsine, the attackers stormed the village under the cover of darkness and began burning homes before members of the community’s vigilante group mobilised and confronted them.
“Last night, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attempted to invade Maje village in Borgu LGA of Niger State, not far from Konkoso village where many were recently massacred. They had already started burning houses before gallant vigilantes swiftly repelled the attack. Alhamdulillahi for their bravery,” the report stated.
The report added that while self-defence may feel inevitable amid rising insecurity, it must remain within the bounds of the law.
The attempted invasion comes amid renewed attacks in Borgu Local Government Area, where terrorists have reportedly carried out coordinated assaults over three consecutive days.
Residents recently told journalists that the attackers set houses ablaze and killed about 26 people in multiple communities beginning in the early hours of Thursday.
Sources said the violence started in Feyi, in the Borgu Kingdom, late on Thursday, 12 February, before spreading to Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages.
“The terrorists began the attacks last Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday in Feyi village. During the attack, six people were killed,” one resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said.
The source added that the gunmen moved from one community to another, reportedly riding motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, shooting sporadically and operating without immediate resistance.
“They later moved to Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages, both in Konkoso Ward of Borgu Local Council, in the early hours of Saturday, killing another 20 people,” the source said.
The attackers also reportedly set a police station in Pissa ablaze before fleeing into the forest after hearing the sound of an approaching helicopter.
Most of the affected communities are said to have been abandoned, with residents fleeing to safer areas. Locals have appealed to authorities at all levels to intensify security operations and protect them from further attacks.
