KEY POINTS

• Over 30 people were killed in fresh bandit attacks in Agwara and Borgu areas of Niger State.
• Children and other residents were abducted as markets and shops were burned and looted.
• Police say rescue operations are ongoing and security teams have been deployed.

Suspected bandits have launched another deadly attack on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing more than 30 residents and abducting scores, including children, authorities said.

The assault came less than a month after the abduction of more than 300 pupils, students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, who were later released after weeks in captivity.

Residents said the latest violence unfolded across several villages, leaving families displaced and entire communities in shock.

Death toll disputed as accounts emerge

A local source told newsmen that at least 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others were shot dead in Kaima village. Several residents, including women and children, were reportedly taken away by the attackers.

Rev Father Stephen Kabirat, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, confirmed widespread casualties and destruction. He said at least 40 people were killed during the attack.

Kabirat added that a parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when gunmen stormed the Mission House. Church property was damaged, two motorcycles were stolen, and villagers were abducted during the raid, he said.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun. He said the attack occurred on Saturday evening.

“At about 4:30 p.m., suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji at Demo Village via Kabe,” Abiodun said. “They killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items.”

Abiodun said the police received a distress call around 9 p.m., after which joint security teams were deployed to the affected areas.