Suspected Military Bomb Kills Seven Vigilantes, Injures Eight In Niger
A suspected bomb dropped by a Nigerian Air Force aircraft has killed seven members of a local vigilante group and injured eight others in Kukoki-Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday when the blast struck a camp occupied by the vigilantes, popularly known as DSS Hunters, while they were gathered to plan a response to reported movements of suspected bandits in the area.
Sources said the injured victims were rushed to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna for treatment, with some reportedly sustaining severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.
The Commander of the vigilante group in Kukoki, Ayuba Umar Kamas, said three aircraft were sighted in the area before one of them flew over their position and released the explosive.
Kamas said the seven people killed comprised four members from Kukoki, one from Bassa and three from Matuku.
He expressed concern over the incident, saying the aircraft struck the vigilantes’ camp while suspected bandits were allegedly moving through the area on about 250 motorcycles with rustled cattle.
Kamas questioned how the aircraft could have targeted the vigilantes’ location when the suspected bandits were reportedly moving freely through the area.
Community sources suggested that the Air Force operation may have been based on intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists or bandits, but that the intended target may have been missed.
The sources, however, could not independently establish whether the blast was the result of a targeting error or another operational circumstance.
It was gathered that some of the injured victims were initially transported from the community on motorcycles before they were taken to the hospital in Minna for further medical attention.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the risks faced by local vigilantes who support security agencies in areas affected by banditry and other criminal activities.
Residents and community members are expected to seek clarification from the relevant authorities on the circumstances surrounding the air operation and the identities of those targeted.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force confirming the incident or explaining the circumstances that led to the reported bombing.