Residents of Maje village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State were thrown into chaos Friday night after suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched a violent attack, burning several houses before local vigilantes successfully drove them away.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness, setting homes ablaze and causing widespread panic among villagers.
According to local sources, the armed men had already begun torching properties when members of the community vigilante group quickly mobilised and confronted them, forcing the assailants to retreat.
“The terrorists attempted to invade Maje village late at night and had started burning houses before brave vigilantes repelled them,” a local source disclosed, praising the defenders for preventing a larger tragedy.
The attempted invasion comes amid escalating insecurity in Borgu LGA, where multiple coordinated attacks have reportedly occurred over the past three days.
Residents say at least 26 people were killed in recent assaults across several communities.
The violence reportedly began in Feyi village late last week, where six residents were killed during a night raid. The attackers later moved to Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso villages, shooting indiscriminately and killing about 20 more people.
Witnesses said the gunmen rode motorcycles, carried sophisticated weapons, and operated for hours without immediate resistance.
Sources also confirmed that the attackers set a police station in Pissa on fire before fleeing into nearby forests after hearing an approaching military helicopter.
Many affected communities have since been abandoned, with residents fleeing to safer areas.
Locals are now appealing to government authorities and security agencies to intensify operations in the region, warning that the persistent attacks are pushing communities toward self-defence measures that must remain within the law.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as residents hope for swift intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
