Bandits bomb key bridge in Niger

Niger State authorities are grappling with the aftermath of a bridge bombing that has severed access to multiple communities and markets in the region.

Premium Times reported the attack occurred on Sunday evening along the Wawa-Luma-Guffanti road, a crucial route passing through the Kainji Lake National Park, where jihadi groups including Boko Haram and Ansaru are known to operate.

Residents described the timing of the attack as deliberate, aimed at crippling local commerce. “It happened just a day before Babanna market,” the report added.

A commercial driver, Ahmed Yusuf, confirmed that the road had been completely cut off on Monday morning. “No car could pass through because the road was split in two. Only motorcycles are navigating through the debris under the bridge,” he said.

Abu Fudail, a resident of New Bussa, the headquarters of Borgu Local Government Area, shared a video of the damaged bridge on Facebook, warning that the incident was an attempt to impoverish local communities.

The Wawa-Luma-Guffanti road is a major trade artery, connecting 90 percent of the markets in the area, as well as providing access to Kebbi State, Kontagora, Babanna, and even the Benin Republic.

Authorities are yet to release official statements, and security operatives are reportedly assessing the situation.