Bandits Kill 16 in Niger State Attacks, Communities in Fear as Violence Escalates

Armed bandits have unleashed terror in Niger State, Nigeria, resulting in the loss of numerous lives and widespread devastation. On the night of February 22-23, 2025, assailants attacked a village in the Dioundiou area, gathering residents and opening fire, which led to the deaths of 14 individuals. Just two nights later, two more people were killed in a neighboring town. These incidents, reported by state radio, bear the hallmarks of jihadist raids that have plagued the central Sahel region in recent times.

The Dioundiou area, bordering Nigeria and Benin, has been identified by Niger authorities as a haven for jihadist groups. This region is also traversed by a 2,000-kilometer pipeline transporting Niger’s oil to Benin, highlighting its strategic significance.

These attacks are part of a disturbing pattern of violence in Niger State. In March 2024, suspected bandits stormed the Madaka market, killing at least 21 people, including the village head, and setting ablaze approximately 50 homes and businesses. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with flames engulfing structures and residents fleeing for their lives.

The violence escalated in May 2024 when bandits attacked the Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area. This midnight assault resulted in the deaths of four security task force members and three villagers, with over 200 locals abducted. The assailants, numbering about 300, operated unchallenged for over three hours during a heavy downpour, looting shops and abducting residents, including women and children.

In November 2024, the Wayam community in Sabon-Gari District faced a brutal attack by over 50 armed bandits. The assailants, arriving on motorcycles, killed at least 10 residents, including women and children, and set fire to houses, shops, and barns. Survivors recounted the terror as the bandits operated unchallenged for several hours, leading to the displacement of the entire community.

The resurgence of banditry in Niger State has led to a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of internally displaced persons, including women and children, fleeing their villages. Residents have expressed frustration over the perceived inaction of security forces. In the Kuchi community attack, villagers reported that despite alerting security agents, no reinforcement arrived during the three-hour assault. Local authorities have called for immediate and decisive action to address the security challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration between state and federal governments to combat the escalating violence.

The persistent attacks have not only resulted in loss of life but have also disrupted economic activities, with markets destroyed and farmlands abandoned. The psychological toll on residents is profound, as many live in constant fear of future assaults. The strategic location of Niger State, sharing borders with neighboring countries, necessitates enhanced security measures and regional cooperation to effectively address the menace of banditry and restore peace to the affected communities.