A suspected bomb dropped by a Nigerian Air Force jet has killed seven members of a local vigilante group and injured eight others in Kukoki Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on Thursday as the vigilantes, also known as DSS Hunters, gathered at their camp to plan a response to reported bandit movements around the community.
The injured victims were taken to IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna after initially being transported by motorcycle. Some reportedly suffered severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.
Commander of the vigilante group in Kukoki, Ayuba Umar Kamas, said three aircraft were sighted in the area before one flew over their position and released the bomb.
Kamas said the seven people killed included four from Kukoki, one from Bassa and three from Matuku. He expressed concern that the aircraft struck the vigilante camp while suspected bandits travelling on about 250 motorcycles and moving rustled cattle were reportedly passing through the area.
Community sources suggested that the Air Force may have received intelligence about terrorist movements but possibly missed the intended target.
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