Panic As Helicopter Attack Leaves Two Dead, Many Injured In Niger

At least two persons have been killed while several others sustained gunshot injuries following an aerial attack on Kurgi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that a surveillance helicopter, believed to belong to the Nigerian Air Force, flew into the area on Sunday afternoon and hovered for several minutes before opening fire.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunfire struck residents who were going about their normal activities at the time of the incident.

Women and children were said to be among those affected.

The attack reportedly threw the community into panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring areas, including Bangi town.

A resident, Sulaiman Sanusi, described the incident as “shocking and unprovoked,” urging the authorities to immediately investigate the attack.

Sanusi also appealed to the government to provide urgent medical assistance to those injured during the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.