Brutal Attacks Leave 32 Farmers Dead, Many Abducted in Niger State Communities

At least thirty-two farmers have been killed following a series of violent assaults on the communities of Tugan-Makeri, Konsoko, and Pissa within Niger State's Borgu Local Government Area. Numerous individuals were also taken captive and several homes were destroyed by fire.

The initial incident, according to local residents, took place around 3:00 a.m. in Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso Ward, where six people lost their lives. Subsequently, the bandits reportedly descended upon Konsoko and Pissa communities at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, firing indiscriminately. During these later attacks, an additional 26 individuals were reported killed, and a police outpost, along with other structures, was set alight.

Details regarding the precise number of casualties from the attack on Pissa community in Kabe/Pissa are still emerging.

One resident, Hassan Abdullahi, informed Daily Trust that the group responsible for the violence, estimated to be over 200 individuals, carried out their operations for an extended period. He specified that the Saturday attacks commenced around 6:00 a.m. and continued until approximately 10:00 a.m. The affected villages are situated roughly 200 kilometres from the Nigerian Air Force Base in New Bussa, which serves as the administrative center for Borgu LGA.

When reached for comment, the Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attack on Tugan-Makeri village, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. He corroborated the report of six fatalities in the community, the arson of some houses, and the abduction of an unknown number of people.

Abiodun also acknowledged that the bandits proceeded to Konsoko, but stated that information concerning that specific attack was still incomplete. He provided a police statement noting, “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. The terrorists were also reported to have moved to Konkoso village, while other details remain sketchy.

“Meanwhile, joint security teams have been mobilised to the scene for assessment, and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing.”