According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday as residents were fleeing attacks by armed men operating in the area.

Witnesses said at least 12 people died in a single household, while several others affected were said to be residents of Kusasu who had escaped from terrorist threats.

A local resident, Auta Awododo, disclosed that the airstrike happened around 5 a.m., adding that one of the victims was his cousin’s son.

Residents said fear spread across the area after armed men riding motorcycles reportedly moved through the community while being pursued by military aircraft.

According to eyewitness accounts, the first bomb reportedly landed near the river in Kusasu, while a second strike hit Guradnayi.

As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Air Force had not released an official statement regarding the incident, and enquiries about the reported civilian casualties had yet to receive a response.

The incident has intensified concerns among residents over military operations in Shiroro, a region frequently affected by attacks from armed groups.

Locals also alleged that previous airstrikes in the area had similarly resulted in civilian casualties, with concerns that such incidents were not thoroughly investigated.

Security sources reportedly confirmed that the armed group being tracked had moved from Kusasu into neighbouring Munya Local Government Area and remained active around Kabula near Kuchi.

Although there were no immediate confirmed reports of fresh abductions or killings, sources said the armed men had allegedly rustled cattle from several communities in Munya.

The reported airstrike has further heightened fear among residents of Shiroro and surrounding communities, many of whom have already been displaced by recurring insecurity.

Community members have called on military authorities to investigate the incident, identify those affected, and clarify the circumstances that led to the reported civilian deaths.

They also urged stronger coordination in security operations to ensure that efforts to combat armed groups do not result in further civilian casualties.

The aspirants, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have already appeared before the party’s screening committee in Abuja as preparations for the primaries intensify.

Many of them are now expected to contest through direct primaries after attempts at consensus arrangements by some governors reportedly collapsed.

Party insiders who spoke to The Nation said the APC leadership stepped in to limit gubernatorial influence over the nomination process.

It was gathered that a Presidential Supervision Team advised the party to adopt direct primaries, particularly in states where consensus could not be reached.

The recommendation aligns with Section 87(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates direct primaries where aspirants fail to agree on a consensus candidate.

APC states identified as key flashpoints include Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, and Kano.

Several sitting governors are among those eyeing Senate seats in the next political cycle, including Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and Babagana Zulum (Borno).

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, is also seeking a Senate ticket, making her the only outgoing deputy governor in the race.

Analysts say several of the governors may face difficult battles both in party primaries and the 2027 general elections.

In Ogun East, Governor Dapo Abiodun is expected to clash with Senator Gbenga Daniel for the APC ticket.

In Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is set for a crowded contest involving Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former Deputy Speaker Usman Bayero Nafada (NDC), and Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu (ADC).

In Kwara, Governor AbdulRazaq is expected to face opposition candidates possibly backed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule may battle former NDE Director-General Silas Agara for the APC ticket, with analysts predicting a tougher general election contest involving other parties.

A political source noted that Nasarawa presents a complex dynamic due to ethnic and religious factors in the senatorial district.

In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is expected to face strong opposition from ADC and NDC candidates.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed is also expected to contend with rivals from both the APC and ADC in his senatorial bid.

Meanwhile, Noimot Salako-Oyedele is expected to face stiff competition in Ogun West, with former Senator Gbolahan Dada and ex-Works Commissioner Olayiwola Taiwo also in the race for the APC ticket.