President Bola Tinubu has condemned the deadly attack in Niger State and directed security agencies to rescue those abducted and apprehend the perpetrators.
Several students of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were among villagers abducted by terrorists on Saturday evening, according to local residents. The affected schoolchildren had only recently regained their freedom after earlier negotiations led to their release from captivity.
During the latest assault, terrorists reportedly killed at least 35 people, including women and children, in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima communities. Residents and security sources said many villagers were abducted and taken into the Kainji National Park, an area the attackers are believed to use as an operational base. Some of the victims were said to be students who had been freed just days earlier.
A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers killed 37 people in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri and another five in Kaima village, while abducting many others, including children.
The incident was confirmed by the Director of Communications of the Catholic Church in the Kontagora Diocese, Stephen Kabirat. He disclosed that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when terrorists invaded the mission house three days earlier. According to him, the attackers vandalised religious items, stole two motorcycles, and made away with more than ₦200,000 in cash while searching for the priest, who managed to flee. Some villagers, including children, were also abducted during that raid.
The attack occurred just five days after suspected bandits fleeing a military operation in Kwara State reportedly invaded the Gebe and Goro communities in Agwara Local Government Area, killing two people and burning more than 15 houses after looting valuables. About a week earlier, gunmen also attacked a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps checkpoint in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, stealing arms and ammunition after personnel retreated.
Residents alleged that the attackers have established camps within the Kainji National Park and frequently cross River Rofia from Kebbi State to raid communities in Niger State. One resident said the attackers recently emerged from the forest, destroying a market and abducting many people, including children.
A villager appealed for urgent government intervention, noting that fear has displaced several communities. He added that some villages linked to the abducted schoolchildren have been forced to sleep in the bushes since the children returned, due to persistent terrorist activity.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attacks. Its spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, said police received reports around 9 p.m. on Saturday that suspected bandits had invaded several communities, killing more than 30 people and abducting an unconfirmed number of victims. He added that the attackers stormed Kasuwan Daji via Kebe village, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items.
According to the police, a joint security team has visited the affected areas, and rescue operations are ongoing. Further updates will be provided as developments unfold.
On Sunday, President Tinubu reiterated his condemnation of the attack and reaffirmed his directive to security operatives to rescue the captives and bring the attackers to justice.
