Scores of Muslim worshippers were kidnapped in Niger State following a series of coordinated attacks by suspected bandits shortly after Friday prayers in Borgu Local Government Area. The violent incidents occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida, and Masaka communities, sparking widespread alarm among residents and security officials. Federal lawmaker Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu confirmed the attacks, stating that the exact number of abductees remains unclear due to ongoing chaos and limited access to affected areas.
The assailants stormed into Dekara immediately after prayers, surrounding a mosque and forcibly taking worshippers into the forest. Witnesses reported that the attackers used machetes during the assault, leaving several injured as they fled for safety. “Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds,” said the lawmaker, highlighting the brutality of the attacks. The gunmen then moved swiftly to neighboring communities, repeating their tactics and abducting more individuals after Friday prayers.
Among those taken were youths and heads of households, raising concerns about the targeted nature of the raids. These developments have intensified fears over the deteriorating security situation in Borgu, a region that borders Kebbi and Kwara states, as well as the Republic of Benin. The area has long been vulnerable to cross-border insecurity, but recent events suggest a worrying escalation in violence and criminal activity.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, leaving residents anxious and uncertain about the fate of the abducted. The attacks come amid rising insecurity across northern Nigeria, where banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have become increasingly common. Lawmakers and community leaders are urging the federal government to deploy additional security personnel to the region and improve intelligence gathering to prevent further tragedies.
The abduction of worshippers during a sacred religious moment has deeply shaken the local population, many of whom now fear attending public gatherings. Religious leaders and civil society groups have called for urgent action to restore peace and protect civilians. As investigations continue, families of the missing are left in anguish, waiting for news and hoping for safe returns.
This latest wave of violence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and better coordination between state and federal authorities. The situation in Borgu serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in parts of Nigeria’s north and the growing threat posed by armed criminals operating with near impunity. Authorities must act decisively to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence in the region’s safety.
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