An unspecified number of civilians are feared dead following a reported military airstrike on Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, amid ongoing insecurity in the region.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has further intensified concerns over repeated accidental airstrikes in rural communities affected by armed conflict across northern Nigeria.
Multiple local sources said the strike happened around 5 a.m., with eyewitnesses alleging that at least 12 people were killed in one household in Guradnayi. One resident of Kusasu, Auta Awododo, claimed his cousin’s family was among the victims.
“Twelve people were killed in his house. The rest were Kusasu people who were fleeing from the terrorists,” he said.
Residents explained that the air operation followed the movement of armed fighters on motorcycles through the area. According to them, one strike was first carried out near a river in Kusasu before a second bomb reportedly landed in Guradnayi.
As of press time, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the incident. An enquiry sent to its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, remained unanswered.
A local political figure, who requested anonymity, described the repeated civilian casualties as deeply distressing, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the past.
Shiroro has witnessed several controversial airstrike episodes in recent years. In 2022, a military strike reportedly killed six minors in Kurebe village, while another operation months later led to the deaths of eight civilians in the same community. Those incidents were never conclusively resolved, with the Air Force disputing some of the claims.
Security sources said that although some armed fighters may have been targeted in the latest operation, civilians were also caught in the attack.
A local vigilante member monitoring the situation said armed groups had moved through Kusasu into neighbouring Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
“As I speak to you now, they are operating in Kabula near Kuchi. There’s no confirmed abductions yet, but they have rustled many cattle in several communities in Munya,” he said.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to assess the impact of the airstrike and ongoing militant movements in the region.
