BREAKING: Bandits Storm Niger Community, Abduct Worshippers After Friday Prayers

Bandits have reportedly invaded Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of residents shortly after Friday (Juma’at) prayers.

The attack reportedly occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, when armed men stormed the community and allegedly rounded up residents who had gathered at a mosque for congregational prayers.

Borgu Chairman Confirms Attack

The Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Nasiru Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview shortly after the attack.

He said Dekara, described as the largest community in the area, was among the communities affected. Other reported locations include Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masata.

Abdullahi said authorities were unable to establish the exact number of people abducted because information was still being gathered from residents.

He added that the local government was working with security agencies to ensure a swift response, rescue those taken and restore security to the affected communities.

Survivor Alleges Lakurawa Involvement

A survivor claimed that the attackers were members of the Lakurawa group and alleged that some residents were killed during the assault.

The survivor said the attackers arrived shortly after Friday prayers and began attacking residents with guns, knives and machetes.

According to the survivor, the attackers accused residents of not following what they described as the true teachings of Islam.

The allegation of Lakurawa involvement and the reported casualties had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Police Yet to Comment

The Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, reportedly promised to provide an update after being contacted but had not done so at the time of publication.

The exact number of people abducted and the reported casualties therefore remain unconfirmed.

Security Concerns Grow in Borgu

The incident has heightened concerns over security in communities across Borgu Local Government Area, particularly around the Kainji Lake axis.

Dekara is located near Kainji Lake National Park, while Borgu shares a boundary with Kwara State.

Residents are now awaiting further intervention from security agencies as efforts continue to establish the identities and whereabouts of those reportedly abducted and secure their safe release.