At least 30 people have been confirmed killed and an unspecified number abducted after suspected bandits attacked a rural market in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, authorities have said.
The attack took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, within Kabe District. The assailants are believed to be armed bandits operating from the Kainji Lake National Park forest, a vast area long associated with criminal hideouts.
What happened
According to residents and security sources, the attackers arrived at the market in the afternoon, opening fire on villagers, setting stalls ablaze, looting food items and other goods, and abducting people as they fled toward nearby forest paths.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security agencies received information about the attack later in the evening.
“On 03/01/2026 at about 9 p.m., information received revealed that at about 4:30 p.m. of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, located at Demo village via Kabe, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items,” Abiodun said.
Casualties and response
Abiodun disclosed that a joint security team visited the scene the following morning to assess the damage and casualties.
“On 04/01/2026 at about 8 a.m., a report indicated that a joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack. Some persons were also kidnapped,” he added.
Police said search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security forces working to locate the abducted victims and prevent further attacks in the area. Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
Renewed insecurity concerns
The latest assault has heightened fears over insecurity in northern Niger State, particularly in communities bordering forests and the Kainji Lake National Park, which spans parts of Niger and Kwara states.
The incident comes barely weeks after a major school abduction in the state. On November 21, 2025, gunmen kidnapped more than 300 pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
During that attack:
• 315 people (303 students and 12 teachers) were abducted
• 50 pupils escaped within the first 24 hours
• The Federal Government later secured the release of others in phases
• By December 21, authorities confirmed that all 230 remaining abducted pupils had been freed
Calls for stronger security
Community leaders and residents have renewed calls for enhanced security patrols, better surveillance of forest corridors, and sustained military operations around the Kainji Lake axis, warning that continued attacks threaten livelihoods, food security, and rural commerce.
Police said further updates will be provided as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
Source: Africa Publicity
