Suspected bandits have killed more than 30 people and abducted several others in fresh attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, police authorities have confirmed.
The attacks occurred less than a month after over 300 pupils, students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, were abducted in the same area and later released.
The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, told reporters that at least 40 persons were killed during the assault. He said a parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when attackers stormed the Mission House.
According to him, the assailants destroyed church property, stole two motorcycles and abducted several villagers before fleeing.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun. He said the attack took place 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. They killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items,” he said.
Mr Abiodun added that the police received a distress call at about 9 p.m., after which joint security teams were deployed to the affected communities.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to rescue those abducted and restore calm, while investigations continue.
