Terrorists have reportedly struck again in Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unknown number of people, including pupils and students of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, who had recently been freed from captivity.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, claimed the lives of at least 42 people, including women and children, and has plunged the affected communities into grief. Villagers from Kasuwa Daji and Kaima communities were reportedly taken into Kainji National Park, including some of the students who had just regained their freedom.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another attack five days ago, when bandits fleeing a military operation in Kwara State raided Gebe and Goro communities in the same local government area, killing two people, burning more than 15 houses, and looting valuables.
Sources revealed that terrorists have established a stronghold in Kainji National Park, from where they continue to launch assaults on surrounding villages. One source said, “They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji, five in Kaima, and abducted several villagers, including children and recently released students. We urgently need help from the government and security agencies, as the crisis across River Rofia continues.”
The Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese confirmed the attacks. Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, Director of Communications, said the terrorists killed over 40 people and abducted an unspecified number of residents. He added that their parish priest narrowly escaped abduction, while the attackers destroyed religious items, stole two motorcycles, and took over N200,000 in cash.
Villagers are appealing for urgent intervention, with some families reportedly sleeping in the bush out of fear for their safety.
The Niger State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that reports of the attack were received around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. According to the police, bandits from the National Park forest along Kebe District attacked Kasuwan Daji via Kebe village, killing over 30 people, burning the local market, looting shops, and taking food supplies. Security teams have visited the scene, and rescue operations are ongoing.
