Bandits Kill Vigilante Leader, Abduct Seven in Fresh Niger Attacks
story written by Zara October 6,2025
The coordinated attacks, which occurred on October 3, 2025, left residents in shock as the criminals struck both Dukku and Shafini villages within hours.
According to eyewitnesses, the first incident happened around 9:20 p.m., when gunmen invaded Dukku village in Rijau. The attackers abducted Alhaji Sodangi Mohammed and six others before escaping into the forest.
Earlier that same day, around 11:00 a.m., vigilante members from Auna and Shafini villages—led by their commander, 40-year-old Yusuf Hamidu—encountered a group of armed bandits during a patrol operation. A fierce gun battle ensued, leaving Hamidu fatally wounded. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Nasko, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
Security sources confirmed that a search and rescue mission has been launched to locate the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Authorities have also increased surveillance and patrols in the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
