The Wawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State has been thrown into mourning following a renewed bandit attack that left at least six people dead, with others still missing.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the recovery of six bodies after suspected bandits attacked residents near Damala Village, close to the Wawa National Park forest in New-Bussa axis of Borgu LGA.
According to community sources, the violence began after a prominent youth, identified as Deshi, was reportedly attacked alongside his son while heading to their farm.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack occurred when Deshi and his son were on their way to visit farm workers.
“Deshi and his son, both residents of Wawa, were attacked by suspected bandits while going to their farm at Damala Village near the Wawa National Park forest,” Abiodun said.
He explained that Deshi’s son managed to escape during the attack and returned to the community to alert family members and other residents.
Following the alarm, relatives of the victim and some vigilante members reportedly mobilised and moved into the bush to search for Deshi and confront the attackers. However, the search party was also ambushed by the bandits, leading to further casualties.
SP Abiodun disclosed that security operatives were later deployed to the area, where six bodies were recovered and evacuated.
“Six corpses were recovered from the scene, while Deshi and one other person are still missing. Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” he said.
The incident has left families and residents of the Wawa community traumatised, heightening fear and tension in the area.
Community leaders have appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information that could worsen the situation.
Borgu Local Government Area has witnessed a surge in bandit attacks in recent times, resulting in several deaths and the displacement of residents who have fled their homes in fear of continued violence.
Residents have called on the Niger State Government and the Federal Government to urgently intervene by intensifying security operations to curb banditry and restore lasting peace in the area.
Meanwhile, the police have advised residents to remain law-abiding, avoid self-help, and cooperate with security agencies as investigations and search operations continue.
