Armed men attacked multiple communities in Borgu LGA, Niger State, early Saturday, with casualty figures varying between official and resident accounts. Niger State Police confirmed an assault on Tunga-Makeri around 3 a.m., saying six people were killed, homes were burned, and an unconfirmed number of residents were abducted. Police also said the attackers moved toward Konkoso, with further details still being assessed.
Residents and other media reports put the toll significantly higher, saying coordinated raids on Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso and Pissa left at least 26 to 32 dead overall, and that a police facility in the area was set ablaze. AP, citing local testimony and police confirmation of part of the attacks, reported at least 32 fatalities across the three communities.
The discrepancy appears to stem from timing and access: police figures so far reflect initially verified deaths in one location, while residents and local outlets include additional victims from neighboring villages attacked within the same window. Security teams have since been deployed for assessment and rescue operations, according to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun.
The latest violence adds to a worsening security pattern in Borgu and surrounding areas, where communities have repeatedly reported deadly raids, kidnappings and arson in recent months. Similar large-scale attacks were reported in the same LGA in January, underscoring persistent gaps in rural protection and rapid response.
