Suspected terrorists early Monday detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) that destroyed a critical bridge linking several communities in Borgu Local Government Area, severing a key transportation route and claiming at least eight lives.

The attack occurred around 2:00 a.m. along Luma Road, where the bridge connects the Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities.

This vital link serves residents traveling to the weekly Babanna border market, a major economic hub held every Monday. The destruction has disrupted movement, trade, and access to essential services in the affected rural areas.

According to the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, suspected terrorists believed to be operating from forests near Kainji National Park used explosives to bomb the bridge in an apparent effort to hinder ongoing counter-insurgency operations by security forces.

Tragically, the same attackers are reported to have planted another IED along the road, which detonated and struck a passing vehicle, killing all eight occupants. Clearance and monitoring operations have been intensified in the area, with authorities working to restore access and pursue the perpetrators.

The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of Niger State, where armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on infrastructure and civilians in recent months. Local residents expressed concern over the economic impact, especially with the major market day coinciding with the attack’s aftermath.

Security agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as efforts continue to secure the region and repair the damaged infrastructure.

Nigeria’s former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has been convicted and sentenced to a cumulative 72 years’ imprisonment over an N868.46 million fraud case.

Nwabuoku was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on money laundering.

The anti-graft agency had arraigned the former AGF on multiple counts, alleging that he laundered public funds amounting to over N868 million through various illicit financial transactions.

Developing Story….

At least 15 people have been killed in a deadly reprisal attack by suspected bandits on the Kadobe and Falale communities in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, heightening concerns over the fragility of ongoing peace efforts in the region.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Daddara district, where gunmen reportedly clashed with local vigilantes and community guards.

According to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the violence erupted after vigilantes engaged a group of repentant bandits, resulting in the initial deaths of three individuals.

This sparked a large-scale reprisal by armed bandits, leading to the additional fatalities.

Residents described the attack as unprovoked and targeted primarily at members of the local vigilante group, exacerbating fears in the already vulnerable rural areas.

According to reports, the surge in insecurity over the past 20 days including repeated killings and cattle rustling has coincided with reports of bandits who had previously claimed to repent under local peace initiatives.

Many residents in southern Jibia expressed deep frustration, alleging that their communities have been largely excluded from broader peace negotiations between government authorities and armed groups.

They accused authorities at federal, state, and local levels of failing to deliver adequate security, leaving rural populations exposed to persistent threats despite dialogue efforts.

The attack underscores persistent challenges in Katsina State, where community-led peace pacts in areas like Jibia have aimed to reduce violence through repentance and truces, but incidents continue to undermine confidence in these arrangements.

No immediate official comment was available on casualties beyond the confirmed 15 deaths or on any security response to the latest violence.