Armed bandits have killed at least 10 people, leaving one injured in an attack at a mining site in Karaga Village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attack, which occurred on February 26 but was only reported on Sunday due to communication challenges, is part of a pattern of violent attacks targeting mining sites and rural communities in Shiroro.

The bandits opened fire indiscriminately in the air before targeting miners and residents, security sources said.

The victims, including 21-year-old Alheri Gambo, the only female among the dead, were identified as Lurwsnu Saidu (32), Zubairu Ibrahim (27), Tasiu Danlami (31), Zanaidu Ibrahim (36), Haliru Ibrahim (33), Abbas Abdulhamid (40), Uzairu Ibrahim (32), Umaru Aliyu (22), and Dahiru Fadama (29). Another victim, Sabiu Yakubu (25), sustained a gunshot wound and is receiving treatment at Erena Comprehensive Health Centre.

Shiroro LGA has become a hotspot for armed violence, with terrorist groups increasingly targeting mining operations. Security analysts warn that these attacks are linked to criminal networks using illegal mining proceeds to fund insurgent activities.

?The attackers are part of a larger terrorist network that has been active in Shiroro,? a security expert familiar with the region told reporters. ?They have been targeting mining sites, villages, and security personnel, exploiting weak law enforcement in the area.?

Mining sites in northern Nigeria have become battlegrounds for bandits and insurgents, who view them as lucrative targets for extortion and control.

Experts have said that without urgent government intervention, continued insecurity in these areas could further disrupt local economies and displace thousands. (The Guardian)