Suspected bandits have killed three residents and razed several houses during an attack on Pissa village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The latest assault, which occurred on Saturday morning, has renewed concerns about persistent insecurity in parts of Niger State despite ongoing security operations across the North-Central region.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers invaded the community at about 9:00 a.m., killing three people and setting homes on fire before security forces moved in.
“The report received indicated that suspected bandits invaded Pissa village in Borgu LGA. Three persons were reportedly killed during the attack, and some houses were set ablaze,” Abiodun said.
He added that military personnel responded swiftly and engaged the attackers, although details of the operation were still being compiled.
“However, the military responded and engaged the terrorists, but further details are still sketchy,” he stated.
The attack comes days after widespread panic in Minna, the Niger State capital, following rumours of a bandit invasion that triggered the premature closure of activities in several schools.
Many students reportedly fled their classrooms while worried parents contacted school authorities to verify the reports.
The state government and the police later dismissed the claims, assuring residents that no school had come under attack and that security personnel had been deployed to monitor the situation.
Saturday’s incident in Pissa nonetheless underscores the security concerns facing communities in Borgu and other parts of the state.
Borgu Local Government Area has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups operating within forest corridors and border communities, leading to deaths, kidnappings and destruction of property.
Earlier this year, several communities within the local government area were hit by deadly attacks that left dozens dead and forced many residents to flee their homes.
Security agencies have since intensified operations in the area, while community leaders continue to urge the government to strengthen military presence and surveillance in vulnerable settlements.
As of Saturday evening, no arrests had been announced, while security forces maintained operations in and around the affected community.
