Fear swept through parts of Niger State after bandits launched a deadly overnight attack on rural communities.
At least 42 people, including children, were killed, while many others were abducted. The incident was described by residents as sudden, brutal, and deeply unsettling.
The attack occurred in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas. This came barely weeks after more than 300 pupils and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the same axis.
Therefore, the renewed violence has raised fresh concerns about security in the region.
According to local accounts, the assailants struck several villages without resistance.
Homes were raided, a popular market was burned, and villagers fled into nearby bushes.
A dependable source told Vanguard that no fewer than 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri.
Another five victims were reportedly gunned down in Kaima village. “Apart from those who were killed, scores of people were also abducted,” the source said.
Moreover, the abducted victims included children and students recently released from captivity.
The source added, “On Saturday, the suspected bandits came and wreaked havoc in the villages and later burnt down a popular market.” This violence was said to have lasted several hours.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church confirmed the scale of the tragedy. Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat said, “Infact, our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House.”
He added that church items were destroyed and villagers, including children, were taken.
The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the attack. Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun stated, “About 9p.m., on Saturday, the command received reports that suspected bandits attacked and killed over 30 persons.”
He noted that security teams had been deployed and rescue efforts were ongoing.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered an urgent crackdown. He directed top security chiefs to hunt down those responsible.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country,” Tinubu said. “They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions.”
Governor Mohammed Bago described the attack as “horrendous.” He urged residents to remain calm and assured them of joint security operations.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the killings, calling them “a grave failure of the state’s fundamental responsibility.”
The Northern States Governors Forum also denounced the violence. Its chairman said the attackers must be “completely crushed.”
