Niger Lawmaker Escapes Deadly Bandit Ambush as Soldier Is Killed
Niger State lawmaker Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa narrowly escaped a deadly ambush by bandits, locally known as Lakurawa terrorists, on Tuesday afternoon. The attack along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area left one soldier dead and several others injured. Damisa was traveling to Babanna town for an official engagement when the heavily armed assailants, lying in wait on the road, opened fire between 1pm and 2pm. The sudden attack threw his security team and aides into chaos. According to sources, one soldier was killed instantly, while about eight others sustained varying injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in New Bussa for treatment. Four of Damisa’s supporters were also struck by stray bullets, though none suffered life-threatening wounds. The bandits also vandalised approximately 11 vehicles in the convoy, riddling them with bullets and causing extensive damage. All damaged vehicles have since been cleared from the scene. Damisa managed to escape unharmed thanks to the swift action of his security escorts and reinforcements from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babanna. A fierce gunfight ensued, forcing the attackers to retreat into the forest.