New Year Terror Attacks in Niger State Leave 42 Dead, Scores Abducted

No fewer than 42 people, including children, were killed in renewed terror attacks by suspected bandits in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, with many others abducted.

The latest violence comes less than a month after over 300 pupils, students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, were abducted in the same axis.

Following the attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to hunt down the perpetrators and ensure their swift prosecution.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State described the attacks as cruel and nefarious, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the killings and abductions as a grave failure of the state’s responsibility to protect lives.

Details of the attacks

Local sources told Vanguard that at least 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others were shot dead in Kaima village.

“Apart from those killed, scores of people were also abducted, including pupils and students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, who were earlier abducted and released weeks ago,” a source said.

According to the source, the attackers stormed the communities on Saturday, burnt down a popular market and abducted an unspecified number of villagers, including children.

The Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, confirmed the incident, saying no fewer than 40 people were killed.

“Our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago. They destroyed some religious items, carted away two motorbikes and cash. They abducted some villagers, including children,” he said.

Police confirm attack

Confirming the attack, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said about 30 people were killed.

“About 9p.m. on Saturday, the command received reports that suspected bandits attacked and killed over 30 persons and abducted an unconfirmed number of people.

“Earlier at about 4:30p.m., suspected bandits from the National Park Forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji at Demo Village via Kabe, killed over 30 persons, burnt the market and looted shops,” he said, adding that joint security teams had been deployed and rescue efforts were ongoing.

Tinubu orders crackdown

President Tinubu condemned the attack on Kasuwan Daji community and the abduction of women and children, directing security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities and forest hideouts.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President said in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down… and brought to justice,” he added, urging Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric.

Reactions pour in

Governor Bago, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as horrendous and extended condolences to affected families, noting that victims included both Muslims and Christians.

“It is disturbing and worrying to start the year with such unfortunate incidents,” the governor said, assuring that his administration was working with federal authorities to improve security.

Atiku Abubakar, in a statement, said: “This brazen display of brutality against defenceless communities is unacceptable and profoundly disturbing. The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property.”

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), led by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, also condemned the attack, calling it “a cruel assault on innocent citizens” and urging security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described the killings as “callous, senseless and a crime against humanity,” urging decisive action to ensure justice for the victims.

“I call on the security agencies to track and hunt down the perpetrators of these attacks and ensure that they never get another opportunity to slaughter innocent citizens,” Abiodun said.

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