Atiku Mourns Victims Of Niger Bandit Attack

Fomer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the deadly bandit attack on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and security personnel.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Atiku described the incident as “profoundly heartbreaking,” lamenting the scale of the loss, including that of security operatives.

“The tragic attacks on the Bagna and Erena communities, which claimed many lives including numerous security personnel, are profoundly heartbreaking,” he said.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, particularly relatives of the fallen security personnel, while calling on the government to take urgent and decisive steps to address the worsening insecurity.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, especially those of the fallen heroes, and urge the government to take more decisive action to protect civilians, facilitate swift relief efforts, and bolster support for frontline forces,” Atiku added.

“May the departed rest in peace, and may enduring peace return to our land.”
Reports indicate that no fewer than 61 bodies of both security operatives and civilians have been recovered following the attack.

Residents of the affected communities disclosed that many of the corpses were found in surrounding bushes several days after the assault, underscoring the severity of the violence.