JUST IN: Gunmen Attack Police Checkpoint in Niger State

Gunmen have attacked a Mobile Police, MOPOL, checkpoint in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, barely two days after a deadly assault on Kasuwar Daji market in the same area that reportedly left more than 40 people dead and several others abducted.

Reports obtained on Monday revealed that the latest attack targeted a MOPOL checkpoint located at New Kalli in Wawa Ward, further heightening fear among residents who are still traumatized by the earlier mass killing.

According to SaharaReporters, the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday at about 12.30 am, when armed men stormed the police checkpoint under the cover of darkness.

During the raid, the assailants reportedly set fire to the officers’ living quarters, destroyed farm produce belonging to residents in the area, and made away with some personal belongings of the police personnel stationed at the checkpoint.

A source who spoke to the media platform said the attackers burned the officers’ rooms and looted some of their items before fleeing the area.

Despite the intensity of the attack, no casualties were recorded, as the police officers were said to have escaped unharmed. It was not immediately clear how the officers managed to evade the attackers.

The renewed assault came barely 48 hours after gunmen invaded Kasuwar Daji market, also in Borgu Local Government Area, where about 40 people were reportedly killed in a coordinated attack.

During the market invasion, scores of people, including women, children, and elderly residents, were abducted. Many of the victims were said to be traders and residents of surrounding rural communities who had gathered at the market when the assailants struck.

The back to back attacks have thrown Borgu communities into panic, with residents expressing growing concern over the apparent boldness of the gunmen and the vulnerability of both civilians and security formations in the area.

Residents fear that the repeated attacks indicate a deteriorating security situation, as armed groups appear to be operating with little resistance.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Niger State had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack or provide details on measures being taken to restore security and prevent further violence in the affected communities.