Two travelers are fighting for their lives after armed bandits attacked a commercial vehicle on the Tegina–Kontagora road in Niger State.
The victims, Zakari Benjamin and Samaila, suffered gunshot wounds during the Wednesday assault at Tudun-Fulani.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits tried to signal for the vehicle to stop, but when the driver did not comply, they retaliated by opening fire. This resulted in two men sitting in the front passenger seat being hit.
According to local sources, the attack occurred shortly after the same group of bandits allegedly kidnapped several cattle herders in Usalle community earlier that evening.
The gunmen reportedly guided the victims towards the road in an attempt to ambush passing vehicles near Samaza Sauri, located in Nagwamatse Ward, Kontagora LGA.
According to a source quoted by Daily Trust, "Around 10:30 p.m., some young cattle herders were kidnapped near Usalle. Following this, the road was blocked at Samaza Sauri in an attempt to target travelers. During the attack, shots were fired at vehicles traveling towards Kontagora, resulting in leg injuries for two individuals."
Confirming the incident, SP Wasiu Abiodun, a spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, stated: "On September 11th, 2025 at approximately 12:15 am, suspected armed individuals attempted to intercept a commercial vehicle with registration number MAK 238 XA at Tudun-Fulani along the Kontagora–Tegina road. The driver managed to evade them; however, during their escape attempt, gunfire was exchanged and two passengers—Zakari Benjamin and Samaila—sustained leg injuries. Law enforcement officers promptly transported these victims to the hospital for treatment. Thankfully none of those in the vehicle were abducted."
He mentioned that police tactical units and other security agencies were dispatched to the scene; however, the attackers escaped into the forest.
In a similar event, bandits allegedly stormed the Uzange and Matachibu communities in Masuga District of Kontagora LGA around midnight on Thursday, kidnapping three residents.
Residents of Kontagora, Mariga, and Magama LGAs reported to Daily Trust that attacks have increased significantly over the past two weeks. Numerous abductions have taken place, and hundreds of cattle have been stolen.
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