At least 16 vigilante members have been killed and 42 residents kidnapped in separate attacks by bandits across communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents told Weekend Trust that the attacks occurred between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving several communities deserted.

A resident who does not want his name mentioned said bandits first stormed Dutsen Magaji village on Sunday and abducted 22 people.

?When they came on Sunday, vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle. In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital,? he said.

He added that the attackers returned at dawn on Thursday, November 13, invading Magama village during early morning prayers.

?They surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people. Some vigilantes followed them; not knowing the bandits had laid an ambush. The bandits opened fire and 13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured,? the source said.

The Press Secretary to the chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings in a statement.

He described the fallen vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of their communities, adding that the local government appreciates their bravery and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incidents and revert.

Meanwhile, residents told Weekend Trust that many communities have been deserted since Monday, with villagers fleeing to Mashegu, Kawo-Mashegu, Manigi and other areas. Some are staying with relatives in distant communities for safety.

Among the deserted villages are Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa and Magama, sources said.

Meanwhile, the abductors of the former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have yet to release him weeks after N70 million ransom was said to have been paid by his family.

Niworo was kidnapped on Monday, September 29, 2025, along with the Permanent Commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmad Mohammed, their drivers and other travellers along the Mokwa?New Bussa road in Borgu LGA. (Weekend Trust)

Update news