Panic as Helicopter Attack Leaves Two Dead, Many Injured in Niger State

At least two people have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained gunshot injuries following an aerial attack on Kurgi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that a surveillance helicopter, believed to belong to the Nigerian Air Force, flew into the area on Sunday afternoon. According to multiple eyewitnesses, the aircraft hovered over the community for several minutes before opening fire on residents.

Witnesses said the gunfire struck people who were going about their normal daily activities, creating confusion and fear across the community. Women and children were reportedly among those affected, while several residents were rushed to nearby locations with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

The sudden attack caused widespread panic, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and flee for safety. Several families were said to have escaped to neighbouring communities, including Bangi town, while others hid in surrounding bushes to avoid being hit.

A resident of the community, Sulaiman Sanusi, described the incident as shocking and completely unprovoked. He said there was no visible threat or confrontation at the time of the attack that could have justified the use of force from the air.

Sanusi called on the authorities to immediately investigate the incident and explain the circumstances that led to the shooting of civilians. He also appealed to the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies to provide urgent medical care for those injured and humanitarian support for displaced residents.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor other security agencies had issued an official statement on the incident. The lack of response has heightened fear and tension in the area, with residents demanding accountability and assurances that such an incident will not reoccur.

The attack has further raised concerns about civilian safety during security operations in parts of Niger State, where communities continue to grapple with insecurity and uncertainty.