The victims were identified as Bahbe Bokobe, Luku, a member of the local vigilante group, Bahgado Bohboh, Naziru Kidebe, Abdulrahman Kidebe, popularly known as Ogede, and Bashiru Dahtobeh, all males from the same community.
At least six farmers have been killed following a late-night attack by gunmen on Wawa Village, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation along the Niger–Kwara axis.
Sources told a counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama that the assailants stormed the community in large numbers at about 10pm on Thursday, opening fire on residents who were working on their farms before fleeing the area.
The victims were identified as Bahbe Bokobe, Luku, a member of the local vigilante group, Bahgado Bohboh, Naziru Kidebe, Abdulrahman Kidebe, popularly known as Ogede, and Bashiru Dahtobeh, all males from the same community.
Security sources said the area was cordoned off shortly after the attack, while the bodies of the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Wawa, where they were deposited for autopsy.
“At least six farmers were killed late Thursday night when armed assailants stormed Wawa Village and opened fire on residents working on their farms.
“Those killed were identified as Bahbe Bokobe, Luku, a member of the local vigilante group, Bahgado Bohboh, Naziru Kidebe, Abdulrahman Kidebe, also known as “Ogede,” and Bashiru Dahtobeh, all males from the same community," the source said.
Sources added that the scene was cordoned off shortly after the incident by security forces and the bodies were evacuated to the General Hospital, Wawa, where they were deposited for autopsy.
It was noted that while such attacks have often been classified as banditry, emerging intelligence and operational patterns suggest a deeper shift.
What began years ago as criminal cattle rustling and opportunistic raids in the North-West and parts of the North-Central has increasingly taken on the characteristics of a hybrid jihadist campaign.
The operational signatures we are seeing execution-style killings, prolonged presence in communities, coordinated movements and structured withdrawal into forest sanctuaries are inconsistent with ordinary banditry.
They align more closely with the doctrine previously associated with Boko Haram’s JAS faction, now adapting to new theatres.
The Wawa axis, is of particular strategic concern. It sits along key corridors linking Niger, Kwara and the Benin Republic, and offers access to critical infrastructure, including military installations in the area.
The Kainji National Park, encircled by recent night attack sites including Nuku, Durumma, Woro, Wawa and Babanna, has become a rear base for insurgent groups operating along the Niger–Kwara corridor.
The geographic depth makes it attractive to violent groups seeking mobility, supply routes and escape paths across state and national boundaries.