12 Civilians Reportedly Killed As Military Airstrike Hits Niger Community

Scores of civilians have reportedly died after a military airstrike hit Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Sunday while residents were fleeing from armed men operating in the area.

Witnesses, according to Daily Post, claimed that at least 12 persons were killed in one residence, while others affected were residents of Kusasu who had reportedly fled from terrorists.

A resident of Kusasu, Auta Awododo, said the airstrike happened around 5 a.m., adding that one of the victims was his cousin’s son.

He said, “It happened around 5 a.m.”

Awododo added, “Twelve people were killed in his house. The rest were Kusasu people who were fleeing from the terrorists.”

Residents said panic spread across the area after armed men on motorcycles reportedly passed through the community while being pursued by military aircraft.

One resident said the first strike landed close to the river in Kusasu before another bomb was dropped at Guradnayi.

The resident said, “The military first threw a bomb near the river in Kusasu. The second bomb was dropped at Guradnayi.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had not issued an official statement on the incident.

Its spokesperson had also not responded to enquiries seeking clarification on the reported civilian casualties and the circumstances surrounding the airstrike.

Residents said the latest incident had renewed concerns over military operations in Shiroro, where communities have repeatedly come under attacks by armed groups.

Locals also claimed that previous airstrikes in the area had resulted in civilian casualties, but that such incidents were not fully investigated or resolved.

A security source confirmed that the armed group being pursued had moved from Kusasu into neighbouring Munya Local Government Area.

The source said the group was still active in the area, particularly around Kabula near Kuchi.

“As I speak to you now, they are operating in Kabula near Kuchi,” the media platform quoted the source as saying.

It added that there was no confirmed report of abduction or killings at the time, but said the armed men had rustled many cattle from communities in Munya.

He said, “There’s no confirmed report of abduction or killings yet, but they have rustled many cattle from communities in Munya.”

Naija News reports that the reported airstrike has heightened fear among residents of Shiroro and neighbouring communities, many of whom have been displaced by recurring attacks by armed groups.

Community members said there was a need for the military authorities to investigate the incident, identify the victims and explain the circumstances that led to the reported civilian casualties.

They also called for better coordination in security operations to prevent further loss of civilian lives while pursuing armed groups in affected communities.