Seven members of a local vigilante group were killed and eight others injured after a suspected military bomb struck their camp in Kukoki-Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, on Thursday.

The victims, members of the local vigilante group also known as DSS Hunters, were reportedly gathered at the camp to coordinate a response to suspected bandit movements in the area when the explosion occurred.

The injured were initially evacuated on motorcycles before being taken to IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna for treatment. Some reportedly sustained severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.

Ayuba Umar Kamas, Commander of the vigilante group in Kukoki, said three aircraft were sighted in the area shortly before one flew over their position and released the bomb.

He said the seven fatalities comprised four members from Kukoki, one from Bassa and three from Matuku.

Kamas expressed concern that the vigilantes’ camp was hit despite reports that suspected bandits had moved through the area on about 250 motorcycles while driving rustled cattle.

Community sources suggested that the Air Force may have been responding to intelligence on terrorist movements in the area but allegedly missed the intended target.

The incident has raised concerns among residents and members of the vigilante group over the circumstances surrounding the airstrike and the apparent targeting of their camp.