By Kingston Magare 4.1.2026
Villagers in Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State came face to face with terror when gunmen invaded their community during a market day business activity.
The gunmen who had been lurking around the community for days also burnt down houses and looted shops and anything valuable they could find, before fleeing with unspecified number of people. The criminal gangs are believed to be hiding in the National Park forest along Kabe District.
“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, some persons were also kidnapped,” during the raid on Saturday evening,” said Niger State police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun.
“A joint security team visited the area the following morning and confirmed that over 30 people lost their lives, while several others were kidnapped.”
Some of the residents said at least 40 people were killed, noting that many people remain missing as of Sunday. They expressed fears that the casualty figure could rise as survivors are too afraid to return to the village to recover bodies due to the absence of security.
Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, where the attack occurred, told local media that more than 40 people were killed during the assault and that some of those abducted were children.
The attack occurred near Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and their teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November, raising fresh concerns about worsening insecurity in the area.
Meanwhile President Bola Tinubu has directed the security agencies to spring into action and arrest the terror gang.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” the President declared.