Armed bandits numbering over 2,000 and wielding sophisticated weapons on Thursday, August 28, 2025, blocked the Minna–Kontagora highway at Kundu, along Zungeru — a route they are known to frequent.

The attack, which occurred around 10 am, saw the assailants crossing into the Akere area towards Mashegu Local Council of Niger State, unchallenged by security operatives, a source told The Guardian.

During the invasion, the gunmen shot three people, killing a civilian and a vigilante member. Another civilian who sustained gunshot injuries was rushed to a nearby hospital.

The exact number of casualties could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report, as many residents were still hiding in nearby bushes.

A resident of the area, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as unprecedented.

“This is the first time we are seeing such a massive influx of bandits carrying sophisticated weapons into our area,” the source said.

The attack has forced widespread displacement, with residents of the Akere axis in Wushishi Local Council fleeing to Zungeru town. The victims include the elderly, women, children, and pregnant women, all seeking safety.

Community members have appealed to both the Niger State and Federal Governments to urgently deploy security personnel to the affected areas to protect lives and enable them to return to their homes.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he could not immediately confirm the development but promised to verify reports from the Zungeru axis.