At least 20 people were reportedly killed by suspected Boko Haram members in Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Among the victims, 10 young people were allegedly beheaded, and their heads were shown to the community members by the attackers, who also recorded the gruesome act.

The attack happened around 8 am on Friday.

It was learned that Boko Haram attacked the victims who had returned to their village to collect food and supplies after fleeing a previous attack.

A village source claimed the victims were killed for refusing to join Boko Haram. The group warned that anyone who refused to join them would face similar consequences.

The source said, “We were told not to return to our community, but we only came back to get food and necessities when they attacked us.”

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East, condemned the killings as barbaric and inhumane.

He expressed deep sorrow, saying, “This is a dark moment for me as a representative. My people, including men, women, and children, are being slaughtered like animals.”

He questioned the motives of the attackers, asking, “What do they want from these harmless, innocent farmers? Are they trying to drive my people away from their land?”

Senator Musa mentioned that three weeks ago, bandits attacked Kuchi village, killing seven security agents and kidnapping about 150 people. The village remains deserted since the attack.

The state government has not yet responded to the incident.

Two months ago, nine people in Allawa community, also in Shiroro, were beheaded by Boko Haram after ignoring the group’s warning to stay away from their ancestral land.