Three Kebbi vigilantes reportedly killed near Niger border

Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State have reportedly been killed by suspected bandits near the border with Niger State. Local sources identified the victims as Abubakar Mai Nera, the vigilante commander in Saminaka, and two other men, Tanko Sarki and Amadu Saminaka. They were said to be from the Saminaka and Bakinturu communities.

The sources said the men were attacked while returning from Agwara in Niger State. The reported ambush occurred around Kasabo, Binuwa and Mago communities, across the River Kwara along the Kebbi-Niger border. One source, who spoke anonymously, alleged that the attackers set the victims ablaze after killing them.

The source said the bodies had not been recovered. Another resident said search teams and members of affected communities were still looking for the bodies. He said the incident occurred on Friday and that relatives hoped the victims would be found so they could receive proper burials.

The report has increased concern among communities along the border, where attacks by armed groups have continued to present security challenges. However, the incident had not been independently verified. The Kebbi State Police Command said it was unaware of the report.

Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman said he could not confirm it, adding that the alleged attack occurred in Niger State, although the vigilantes were from Kebbi. The identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths remained unconfirmed at the time of publication.