Suspected bandits have reportedly razed a public primary school in Dekara community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, despite residents paying a ₦10 million levy allegedly demanded by the attackers to prevent further violence.
The incident, which has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Niger State, was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on his verified X account on Saturday.
According to the report, the attackers, believed to have emerged from the Kainji Lake National Park axis, invaded the community on Wednesday and set the Central Primary School, Dekara, ablaze.
Residents said the community had earlier raised and paid the ₦10 million demanded by the armed group after receiving threats of an imminent attack. The payment was reportedly made in the hope of securing protection and averting further violence.
However, despite receiving the money, the bandits proceeded with the attack, destroying the school and leaving residents devastated. The incident has further heightened fears over the growing influence of armed groups operating in rural communities across the state.
Reacting to the development, Bakatsine described the attack as a disturbing reminder of the worsening security crisis, noting that even communities that comply with extortion demands are no longer guaranteed safety.
The attack underscores the persistent insecurity affecting parts of Niger State, where criminal groups have continued to impose illegal levies, carry out kidnappings, loot communities and destroy public infrastructure.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that forests surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park have become operational hideouts for armed groups, enabling them to launch attacks across Niger and neighbouring states.
As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Government and security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
