Daniel Otera
A tragic ambush on the convoy of Hon. Jafaru Mohammed Ali, member representing Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency of Niger State, has thrown the National Assembly and residents of Borgu into mourning, following the brutal killing of several security operatives escorting the lawmaker.
Eyewitnesses told newsmen that the attack happened between 1 pm and 2 pm on Tuesday, along the Lumma–Babanna Road in Borgu Local Government Area, a dangerous corridor notorious for bandit raids and cross-border incursions by armed groups operating near the Republic of Benin border.
According to sources close to the lawmaker, his convoy was heading to Babanna for a constituency engagement when armed men opened fire from a nearby bush, riddling the vehicles with bullets.
“They shot indiscriminately,” said a local vigilante member who arrived shortly after the attack. “The escorts fought back, but the gunmen were many and heavily armed.”
The House of Representatives has condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly and senseless attack” on democracy.
In a statement issued by the House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, on Friday, the Green Chamber expressed deep sadness over the death of the operatives and called for a thorough investigation by the security agencies.
Read Also: Niger State’s Sermon Checks Revive North’s Long Struggle Over Faith, Law, and Security
“The cowardly attack reportedly resulted in the death of gallant security operatives, injuries to his driver and aides, and extensive damage to several vehicles in the convoy,” the statement read. “The remote distance of the area of the attack further demonstrates the extent to which Honourable Members go to ensure constituency services reach every Nigerian, no matter how far or challenging the terrain.”
The House extended condolences to the families of the slain officers, the Nigerian Police, and the Nigerian Army, while praying for the quick recovery of the injured. “We mourn the brave operatives who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” Rotimi said. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Residents of Borgu described the attack as another grim reminder of the worsening insecurity in Niger State. A youth leader in the area, Musa Babanna, said the region has become “a free zone for bandits and foreign fighters.” He added, “We keep reporting strange movements, but no one listens until people are killed.”
Security experts believe the Lumma–Babanna axis has become a flashpoint because of its proximity to porous borders and poor surveillance infrastructure.
“The fact that a federal lawmaker’s convoy could be ambushed despite having escorts shows how deep our security crisis has become,” said retired Colonel Adewale Oseni, a defence analyst. “This is not an isolated incident. It’s a pattern that should alarm the government.”
The attack comes barely two months after gunmen killed 22 villagers at a baptism ceremony in the Tillaberi area of the same state. In June, 17 soldiers were also reported dead in a gun battle with bandits in Mariga Local Government Area.
Communities around the border corridor continue to live under constant fear as bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists intensify raids on rural settlements. Despite repeated military operations, residents say attacks persist, often targeting farmers, travellers, and now, even elected officials.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Executive and security agencies to end banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s peace.
As of press time, neither the Niger State Police Command nor the Nigerian Army had confirmed the number of casualties. However, investigations are ongoing, with security patrols reportedly intensified along the Lumma–Babanna route.