Gunmen attacked communities in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State over the weekend, killing dozens and abducting an unspecified number of residents, including children, in what locals and officials described as coordinated raids that culminated in the burning of a popular market.
Fatality figures varied across accounts. A source quoted by Vanguard said 37 people were killed in Kasuwa(n) Daji near Papiri, while five others were shot dead in Kaima village, bringing the reported toll to 42. pasted Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed “over 30” deaths. At the same time, Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora said the toll was “no fewer than 40,” underscoring the difficulty of verification in remote areas immediately after attacks.
Police said the assailants struck Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village (Kabe District) at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, setting the market ablaze, looting shops and carting away food items before abducting residents. Witnesses told international media that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately, and that security presence was limited as the assault unfolded.
The violence comes amid heightened insecurity in the axis, weeks after the mass abduction of more than 300 pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri — a case that drew global attention and highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities and schools. The Vanguard account said some of those recently released pupils and students were among the people abducted again during the latest raids.
In Abuja, President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to track down the perpetrators and ensure abducted victims are rescued. pasted Tinubu warned that the attackers and anyone who “aid, abet, or enable them” would be brought to justice.
Niger Governor Mohammed Bago described the attack as “horrendous” and appealed for calm as a joint security team trails the assailants, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called the killings and abductions a failure of the state’s duty to protect lives and property.
