Three vigilantes feared dead in Kebbi-Niger border attack

Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi State are feared dead. They were reportedly killed by suspected bandits while coming back from Agwara in Niger State.

Local sources identified the victims as Abubakar Mai Nera, the vigilante commander in Saminaka, Tanko Sarki, and Amadu Saminaka. The three men hailed from Saminaka and Bakinturu communities in Shanga LGA.

Sources say the vigilantes were attacked near Kasabo, Binuwa, and Mago communities, across the River Kwara, along the Kebbi-Niger border. A local source spoke on condition of anonymity and alleged that the attackers set the victims on fire after killing them.

"The three vigilantes were attacked while returning from Agwara in Niger State. They were ambushed around Kasabo, Binuwa, and Mago, across the River Kwara. Their attackers reportedly set them ablaze after the attack. As we speak, their bodies have not been recovered," the source said.

Another resident mentioned that search teams and members of the affected communities are still trying to find the bodies. "The incident happened on Friday, and the search is still ongoing. We are hoping that the bodies will be found so that the families can give them a proper burial," he said.

This incident has raised fear among residents of communities along the Kebbi-Niger border. Attacks by armed groups have continued to create security challenges in the area.

When the Kebbi State Police Command was contacted, they said they were unaware of the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, stated he could not confirm the report. He noted that the alleged incident happened in Niger State.

"I cannot confirm the incident for now as I am not aware of it, and it happened in Niger State. However, the vigilantes are from this state, based on the information you have given me," he said.

As of now, the identities of the attackers and the details surrounding the reported deaths have not been independently verified.