Nine people killed in Niger village bomb explosion

At least seven people were killed and several others injured after an explosion in Bassa-Kukoki village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, on Thursday. 

Ibrahim Kuta, president of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA), who confirmed the incident to Peoples Gazette on Thursday, said it occurred between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

“The incident occurred around 12 to 1 at Bassa Kokoki, where an unknown aircraft dropped a bomb in the community,” he told The Gazette.

Mr Kuta said residents believed an aircraft had dropped a bomb on the community, adding that seven people were killed at the scene while several others were injured and taken to IBB hospital and Kuta General Hospital. 

“About seven people died at the spot, while others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Presently, about nine people are dead, while the number of injured people is yet to be ascertained,” he said.

A Facebook user, Almustapha Bassa Ahmed, also reported the incident on Thursday, saying seven people were killed and several others injured.

“Bomblast in kukkoki bassa ward right now 7 died and many are injured and my brother Lukma may there gentle soul in perfect peace,” he wrote.

The Niger police command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comment. Messages sent to him were not answered as of press time.