How gunmen kill about 40, abduct many in fresh Niger attack as Atiku, Gov Bago condemn violence

By James Ike

About 40 people have been killed and several others abducted after gunmen raided Kasuwan-Daji village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in the latest deadly attack to hit the conflict-prone region.

The assailants reportedly stormed the community on Saturday evening, firing sporadically at residents, torching the local market and burning several houses. The attack lasted for about three hours, according to survivors.

Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives had been deployed to the area and were combing nearby forests in search of the attackers and those abducted.

However, residents disputed the police claim, saying no security personnel had reached the community as of Sunday. Two residents put the death toll at close to 40, warning that the figure could rise as many people remained missing.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers had been sighted around neighbouring communities for over a week before launching the assault.

“The bodies are still lying there in Kasuwan-Daji. Without security presence, how can we go back to recover them?” the resident asked.

Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, told local media that more than 40 people were killed, adding that some of those abducted were children.

The police said the attackers were believed to have emerged from the National Park Forest along Kabe district, noting that abandoned forest reserves have increasingly become hideouts for armed gangs operating across the area.

The attack occurred close to Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November, underscoring the persistent insecurity in the area.

Atiku, Governor Bago React

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack describing the killings and abductions as a grave failure of governance.

“I am deeply saddened by the heinous attacks which have resulted in the loss of scores of innocent lives and the abduction of several residents, including school children,” Atiku said in a statement on Sunday.

He described the violence as “brazen and unacceptable,” urging authorities to act swiftly to rescue those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. We must urgently strengthen our security architecture and restore confidence in affected communities,” he added.

Similarly, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expressed sadness over the attack, describing it as cruel and nefarious.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor extended condolences to families of the victims, noting that those killed included both Muslims and Christians from different communities in Borgu LGA.

“It is disturbing and worrying to begin the year with such tragic incidents,” the governor said, assuring residents that his administration was working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to restore peace.

Governor Bago disclosed that a joint security team is currently trailing the attackers to rescue the kidnapped victims and restore normalcy, while praying for the repose of the dead and the recovery of the injured.