At least 30 people have been killed and several others abducted after suspected bandits attacked a local market in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred on Saturday at Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, within the Kabe District. According to reports, the assailants, believed to be operating from the Kainji Lake National Park forest, stormed the area, set the market on fire, looted food items and other goods, and opened fire on villagers.
Residents said many victims were taken away through bush paths leading into the vast forest surrounding the national park.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command said a joint security team had visited the affected community and that rescue efforts were ongoing. The police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, stated that information received showed the attackers invaded the market around 4:30 p.m. on January 3, burning shops and carting away supplies.
He added that by the morning of January 4, security operatives confirmed that more than 30 people lost their lives during the assault, while an unspecified number of villagers were kidnapped. According to him, security agencies are working to locate the abducted victims and further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
The latest violence comes weeks after another major attack in Niger State. On November 21, 2025, gunmen abducted hundreds of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The attackers arrived on motorcycles in the early hours of the morning and spent several hours rounding up students and staff. Although dozens of pupils escaped within a day, others were held for weeks before being released in batches following negotiations and security operations.
Residents of Borgu and surrounding communities have continued to express fear over recurring attacks, calling on the government to strengthen security around rural areas and forest corridors used by armed groups.
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