BREAKING: Terrorist Attacks in Agwarra and Borgu Result in 42 Fatalities and Multiple Abductions
By Our Correspondent.
Terrorist militants have launched a series of attacks on communities within the Agwarra and Borgu local government areas of Niger State, resulting in at least 42 fatalities and numerous abductions, including children.
Sources indicate that these attacks have been ongoing in Agwarra villages over the past week, occurring with little resistance.
According to reports, the terrorists arrived with evident anger and targeted communities deliberately, exploiting the region’s security deficiencies.
It was reported that they killed 37 individuals in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, five in Kaima Village, and abducted many residents—some of whom are pupils at St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri.
Local authorities have called for urgent government intervention, highlighting the crisis unfolding across the river where the students were taken.
The terrorists reportedly emerged from the forest a week ago, causing widespread havoc in the villages. As recently as Saturday, they burned a market and abducted other residents, including children.
The Director of Communications for the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, confirmed the casualties, stating over 40 people have been killed and others taken captive.
He recounted that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when terrorists visited the Mission House three days prior, destroying religious items, stealing two motorcycles, and looting over two hundred thousand Naira.
He added that the terrorists sought the priest but he managed to escape, and they also abducted villagers, including children.
A concerned villager appealed for assistance, noting that some affected villages have been forced to seek refuge in the bushes due to ongoing threats.
The Niger State Police Command verified the attacks, reporting that around 9pm on Saturday, suspected bandits struck, killing over 30 people and abducting an unspecified number.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that suspected bandits from the National Park Forest along Kabe District attacked Kasuwan Daji at Demo Village via Kabe, destroying the market, looting shops, and stealing food.
A joint security team has visited the scene, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Further updates will be provided, police assured.
