Insecurity
Terrorists Kill Four, Burn Church, Loot Livestock In Fresh Night Attack On Niger Community
At least four people were confirmed killed during the raid, while several others narrowly escaped into the bush.
Minna, Niger State– A fresh wave of terror swept through Niger State on Friday night as armed assailants invaded Damala village in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, killing four residents, burning a church and several houses, and carting away livestock belonging to villagers.
Afrika Eyes gathered that the attack occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, took place between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in Damala village, located behind the Woko–Daba mining sector, an area residents say has increasingly become vulnerable due to its proximity to forest routes and mining activities.
Local sources told Africa Eyes that the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and unleashing violence on defenceless residents.
At least four people were confirmed killed during the raid, while several others narrowly escaped into the bush.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants also looted the community extensively, driving away all livestock owned by residents and forcing the animals into the surrounding forest, dealing a severe blow to the local economy and means of survival.
Confirming the incident, Comrade Zakari Y. Adamu Kontagora disclosed that the attackers set ablaze a church and multiple residential buildings during the invasion, leading to significant destruction of property and leaving many families displaced.
“The attackers came suddenly and operated freely for several minutes,” a resident said. “They killed people, burned our church and houses, and took all our animals. There was no security presence to stop them.”
The incident has heightened fear and anxiety among residents of Damala village and neighbouring communities, many of whom have been living in constant dread due to repeated attacks in Borgu and other parts of Niger State.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Niger State Government nor security agencies had issued any official statement on the attack.
