At least 42 people have been killed and several others, including children, abducted following coordinated terrorist attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu local government areas of Niger State.
The latest attack occurred on January 3 at Kasuwan Daji, a village in Borgu LGA, where gunmen suspected to be members of the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction stormed the community, killing dozens and abducting women and children.
Residents said the attackers had been operating in parts of Agwarra for over a week, targeting several villages and schools.
“They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, another five in Kaima village, and abducted many people including children,” a source said, adding that some of the abducted children are pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri.
Stephen Kabirat, director of communications for the Catholic Church in Kontagora Diocese, confirmed that the Catholic mission house was attacked and church property destroyed.
“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.
The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the gunmen attacked Kasuwan Daji around 4:30pm, burning the market, looting shops, and carting away food items.
“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack. Some people were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims, and further developments will be communicated,” Abiodun said.
Security agencies said a joint team has visited the affected communities as investigations and rescue operations continue.