By: Sunday Ameh
Lakurawa terrorists, commonly referred to as bandits, have ambushed the convoy of Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa, the Member representing Borgu and Agwara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, killing a soldier and injuring several others in Niger State.
The deadly attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area, as the lawmaker and his entourage were en route to Babanna for an official visit.
Sources confirmed that the heavily armed assailants, who had laid in ambush, opened fire on the convoy between 1:00pm and 2:00pm, triggering panic among security personnel and political supporters travelling with the lawmaker. The attackers reportedly targeted the lead and rear vehicles, catching security escorts off guard.
“One soldier was killed instantly, while about eight others sustained serious injuries,” a security officer familiar with the incident disclosed. “The wounded were immediately transported to the General Hospital in New Bussa for emergency treatment.”
At least four political supporters were also hit by stray bullets, though medical officials confirmed no civilian fatalities at the time of filing this report.
The gunmen also reportedly vandalised no fewer than 11 vehicles, riddling them with bullets and causing significant damage before fleeing into the forest. Eyewitnesses said the lawmaker survived due to the quick response of his security detail and reinforcement from troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Babanna.
Security troops who rushed to the scene engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
“All damaged vehicles have been evacuated from the scene,” another source said, adding that the attack underscores the persistent security threat facing communities in Niger State despite military presence in the region.
The Nigerian military and police authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the ambush as at press time.
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