Three Kebbi Vigilantes Reportedly Killed by Bandits While Returning From Niger

Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State have reportedly been killed by suspected bandits while returning from Agwara in neighbouring Niger State.

The incident was reported on Wednesday by North-West crisis reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X account. The victims were identified as Abubakar Mai Nera, the vigilante commander in Saminaka, Tanko Sarki and Amadu Saminaka.

The three men were reportedly from the Saminaka and Bakinturu communities. Local sources cited in the report said they came under attack around Kasabo, Binuwa and Mago, locations along the River Kwara near the Niger-Kebbi border.

The attackers reportedly targeted the vigilantes as they travelled back from Agwara. The assailants were also said to have set the victims ablaze following the attack.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, although details only emerged publicly on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of those responsible remain unclear.

As of Wednesday, the bodies of the three vigilantes had reportedly not been recovered. Search efforts were said to be ongoing as residents and local authorities continued efforts to locate the victims and establish what happened.

The reported killings add to security concerns along communities around the Niger-Kebbi border, where attacks by armed groups have affected residents and local security volunteers. Further confirmation from security agencies on the incident was not included in the reports reviewed.