A reported military airstrike has allegedly claimed the lives of at least nine civilians, including members of a local vigilante group, in Kawon Urege village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to local security sources, the incident occurred on Tuesday night shortly after vigilante members returned from confronting suspected bandits accused of rustling cattle in the area.
The sources said the group had gathered in the village and were reportedly refueling their motorcycles when the airstrike struck.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning, with residents expressing deep concern over civilian casualties linked to ongoing military operations targeting armed groups in the region.
Security sources said those affected had participated in efforts to recover stolen livestock before the tragic incident unfolded.
However, military authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported strike, while casualty figures and the exact circumstances surrounding the operation remain unconfirmed at the time of filing this report.
