Three killed as gunmen attack Niger communities

Three persons have been reportedly killed following an attack by gunmen in Lanta and Makuna villages in Erena, Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

Speaking with TheCable on Wednesday, Usman Umar, a vigilante in Erena, said the attack happened around 5 pm on Tuesday.

According to Umar, the gunmen invaded the villages in large numbers but were engaged in a gun battle by the security operatives stationed in the area.

He said two people sustained injuries while one of the gunmen who got injured was quickly lifted on a motorcycle and taken away from the area.

“Yes, the attack happened yesterday evening at about 5 pm. What happened is that the gunmen attacked Lanta and Makuna villages near Erena town in Shiroro LGA,” he said.

“When we heard about the invasion, we went to the area with other security operatives in Erena to engage the gunmen but the security personnel were very few. Three people died and two sustained injuries.

“One of the gunmen sustained injuries during the gun battle but was immediately carried away from the area by the attackers.”

Also commenting on the attack, Kabir Gunduma, a district head in Erena, said the operation lasted until this morning.

“The gunmen attacked in large numbers and they didn’t stop their operation yesterday. They attacked the villages from yesterday evening till this morning,” he said.

“Many residents have fled the villages. The residents that sustained injuries have been taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Emmanuel Umar, commissioner for internal security and humanitarian affairs, who confirmed the attack said he lost an uncle in the incident.

“Yes, there was an incident but the report is too sketchy. However, there were losses, in fact, I even lost my uncle during the attack,” he said.