By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
At least 42 people have been killed and scores abducted following coordinated terrorist attacks in Niger State, targeting communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas, according to residents and security sources. The attacks, which reportedly spanned several villages over the past week, were described by locals as sustained assaults carried out with little resistance due to the absence of security personnel in affected areas. A community source said the assailants struck Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, killing 37 people, while five others were reportedly killed in Kaima village. Several residents, including women and children, were abducted during the raids.
Among those taken were pupils and students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, the source said. Markets were also targeted, with at least one market set ablaze and shops looted.“They came out of the forest and attacked freely for about a week,” a resident said. “Just yesterday, they burned a market and abducted many people, including children. Communities are in distress and urgently need help.”
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed that its facilities were also attacked. The Director of Communications for the diocese, Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, said terrorists stormed a mission house, destroyed religious items, and stole two motorcycles and cash estimated at ₦200,000.
“Our parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the attackers came to the mission house three days ago,” Kabirat said. “They were looking for him, but abducted villagers instead, including children.” Residents said fear has forced some communities to flee their homes. A villager reported that families from affected areas are sleeping in nearby bushes for safety amid continued threats. “As I speak with you, some villages have been displaced. People are afraid to return home because of the terrorists’ activities,” the resident said.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that it received a distress report around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday regarding a violent attack by suspected bandits.In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji at about 4:30 p.m., allegedly from the National Park forest along Kabe District. “Over 30 persons were killed, the market was burned, shops were looted, and food items were carted away,” Abiodun said.
He added that a joint security team has visited the affected communities and that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted victims and restore order.The police said investigations are continuing and assured residents that further updates would be provided as operations progress. The latest attacks add to growing security concerns in Niger State, particularly in rural communities bordering forested areas, where residents have repeatedly called for increased security presence and sustained patrols to deter armed groups.
