A devastating attack by armed bandits at the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, located in the Kabe District of Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, has left at least 30 villagers dead and many others abducted.
The incident occurred when the assailants, suspected to have originated from Kainji Lake National Park, stormed the village, inciting terror and chaos. The bandits launched their assault during market hours, setting the market ablaze and looting food items and other goods.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of horror as the attackers fired upon villagers while systematically destroying the marketplace, leading to widespread panic as local residents fled for safety.
Wasiu Abiodun, the Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that a joint security team has been deployed to the area in response to the attack. “Our forces visited the scene shortly after the incident,” he stated. “Over 30 victims lost their lives during this brutal assault, and efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue those who were kidnapped.”
This attack follows another tragic event in November 2025, when armed bandits kidnapped more than 300 pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. That attack involved gunmen storming the dormitories in the early hours, resulting in a large-scale rescue operation that ultimately freed 230 students.
The latest tragedy has ignited outrage among locals and highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region. Community leaders have condemned the violence, stressing the detrimental effects such attacks have on both safety and the local economy.
As families mourn their lost loved ones, urgent calls for enhanced security measures and more effective policing are being made to prevent future occurrences. Authorities in Niger State are expected to provide further updates regarding security operations aimed at rescuing the victims and restoring peace in the affected areas.
The tragic events in Niger State underscore the persistent issues of banditry and violence affecting many regions in Nigeria. With upcoming elections, the need for effective governance and security measures has never been more crucial in safeguarding lives and ensuring the well-being of citizens.
