Deadly attacks by gunmen have left at least 42 people dead, with many others, including children, taken away from communities in Agwarra and Borgu LGAs of Niger State.
Gatekeepers News reports that residents said the assailants stormed several villages over the past week, operating freely and without resistance. The violence was most severe around Papiri area of Agwarra, where entire communities were raided before residents fled for safety.
A local source said the attackers moved from village to village, killing residents and abducting many people, including pupils from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools.
According to the source, they killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, another five in Kaima village, and abducted many people including children. Some of these children are students of the same schools.
The Catholic Church in Kontagora Diocese confirmed that its facilities were also targeted during the attacks. Stephen Kabirat, the diocese’s director of communications, said the gunmen invaded the mission house and caused serious damage.
He said, “Our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago. They destroyed religious items, stole two motorcycles, and took cash exceeding N200,000.”
Niger State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the command, said the attackers struck Kasuwan Daji in Borgu Local Government Area on Saturday evening, setting the market on fire, looting shops, and making away with food items.
He said, “At least over 30 persons were killed, and several others kidnapped. A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing.”
The attacks add to growing security concerns in Niger State, where rural communities have faced repeated assaults linked to banditry and armed groups, leading to mass displacement and school disruptions. Security agencies said operations are ongoing and updates will be provided as the situation develops.
