At least 42 people have been killed by terrorists in attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Stephen Kabirat, director of communications for the Catholic Church in Kontagora Diocese, confirmed that the attacks targeted the Catholic mission house.
He said the terrorists killed over 40 people, abducted villagers including children, and destroyed church property.
“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,” Kabirat said.
An unspecified number of individuals, including children, were also abducted during the attacks.
Residents said the gunmen have been attacking villages in Agwarra for over a week without encountering resistance.
“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,” a source said.
Several pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra, were among those kidnapped.
Corroborating the report, Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said the bandits struck Kasuwan Daji in Borgu LGA around 4:30pm on Saturday.
The police spokesperson said the bandits burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food supplies.
Abiodun added that over 10 people were killed in the attack, which only affected Borgu LGA.
“At least 30 persons were killed, and several others kidnapped. A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing,” he said.
The police also assured that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.