Bandits kill vigilante leader, abduct seven in Niger communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed a vigilante leader and abducted seven people in separate attacks on communities in Rijau and Magama Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Sources said that the attacks occurred on Oct. 3, 2025, in Dukku and Shafini villages.
According to sources at about 9:20 p.m., armed bandits in large numbers invaded Dukku village via Rijau and abducted one Alhaji Sodangi Mohammed and six others to an unknown destination.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims unhurt.
In a separate incident earlier that day, at about 11:00 a.m., a team of vigilantes from Auna and Shafini villages, led by the Shafini Vigilante Chairman, Yusuf Hamidu, aged 40, encountered armed bandits during a patrol.
A gun battle ensued, during which Hamidu sustained gunshot injuries. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Nasko, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
