Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed sadness over the terrorist attack on communities in the Borgu local government area of the state.
The farmer governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described as cruel and nefarious the terrorist attack that led to the death of many people, the kidnapping of several others, and the destruction of livelihoods.
He extended his deepest sympathy to the people of the affected communities, especially the victims and their families.
The victims of the attack at the Kasuwan Daji, Market, Sukumbara Village, are both Muslims and Christians drawn from different communities in Borgu local government area of the state
The farmer governor, who noted that it is disturbing and worrying to start the year with such unfortunate incidents, however enjoined the people to remain resolute in God and that his administration is collaborating with the federal government and security agencies to improve the security of the affected areas.
He said a joint security team is trailing the terrorists with the view to rescuing the kidnapped victims.
The farmer governor prayed that God will repose the souls of the departed, rescue the kidnapped victims, and grant healing to the injured as well as restore livelihoods that were destroyed.
Gunmen Storm Niger Community Market, Kill Over 30, Abduct Several Others.
At least 30 people, including women, were killed on Saturday when suspected bandits attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The attackers also looted food items and other valuables worth millions of naira before setting the market on fare.
Reports gathered indicate that the assailants invaded the community at about 4 pm on Saturday and continued their operation into the early hours of Sunday without any resistance. Residents said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately and tying up several victims.
An eyewitness told Daily Trust that more than 50 people were restrained and killed during the attack, while many others were taken away by the attackers.
The bandits were said to have emerged from the nearby National Park in Borgu LGA and carried out the attack in broad daylight, leaving the market completely destroyed. Several traders and residents are still unaccounted for, raising fears that the number of abducted persons may be higher than initially reported.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said over 30 people lost their lives and several others were kidnapped.
He explained that security operatives received information around 9 pm on January 3 that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District had invaded Kasuwan-Daji, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items.
According to him, a joint security team visited the area the following morning and confirmed the casualties. He added that efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims, assuring that further developments would be communicated.