House of Reps member, Ali Damisa escapes death in Niger State

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jafaru Mohammad Ali Damisa, narrowly survived an attack on Tuesday when suspected terrorists ambushed his convoy along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Damisa, who represents Borgu and Agwara Federal Constituency, was reportedly travelling to Babanna for an official engagement when the heavily armed attackers opened fire on his convoy without warning.

The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, threw his security detail and political aides into confusion as bullets rained from different directions.

Soldier Killed, Several Injured in Fierce Gun Battle

Security escorts attached to the lawmaker quickly responded, engaging the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire that lasted several minutes.

Unfortunately, one soldier was killed during the confrontation, while several others sustained varying degrees of injury. Some of the lawmaker’s political supporters were also wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, identified locally as Lakurawa terrorists—a term commonly used for armed bandits in the area—vandalised about 11 vehicles in the convoy before fleeing. The vehicles were riddled with bullet holes, leaving behind a scene of destruction.

Troops Reinforce as Gunmen Flee into Forest

Reinforcements from the Forward Operating Base in Babanna arrived moments later, forcing the terrorists to retreat into the forest after a heavy gunfight.

Heightened Security Concerns in Niger State

Military personnel have since intensified patrols across Borgu and nearby communities.

The incident has renewed fears among residents over persistent attacks by armed groups, especially around Niger State’s border areas with Benin Republic, which have become notorious for bandit activities.