42 Killed, Many Abducted As Terrorists Raid Niger Community
No fewer than 42 people have been killed, while many others, including children, were abducted after terrorists attacked several communities in Agwarra and Borgu local government areas of Niger State.
Residents said the attackers had been invading villages in Agwarra for about a week without any resistance due to the absence of security operatives in the area.
A source said the assailants last week launched fresh coordinated attacks, moving freely from one community to another.
According to the source, “They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, another five in Kaima village and abducted many people including children.”
He added that some of the abducted children are pupils and students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra.
The source appealed to the government and security agencies to urgently intervene, saying there is a serious crisis across the river where several students were abducted.
He explained that the terrorists had been coming out of the forest daily for about a week, wreaking havoc on villages in the area.
He said that on Saturday alone, the attackers burnt a market and abducted many people, including children.
Confirming the attack on the Catholic mission house, the Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, said more than 40 people were killed during the attacks.
According to him, “Our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago.”
He said the attackers destroyed religious items in the church and carted away two motorcycles and cash worth over two hundred thousand naira.
Kabirat added that the terrorists were specifically looking for the priest, but abducted some villagers, including children, after failing to find him.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack occurred at about 4:30pm on Saturday.
He said suspected bandits from the National Park Forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji at Demo village via Kabe.
Abiodun said the attackers killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops and made away with food items.
He added that a joint security team has visited the area and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims.
He assured that further developments would be communicated.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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