Bandits storm Niger communities, kidnap many villagers

Scores of Muslim worshippers were kidnapped shortly after Friday prayers when suspected bandits stormed several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to a federal lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu, the incidents occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities.

Borgu said the actual number of people abducted had yet to be ascertained.

The lawmaker further stated that several worshippers were attacked with machetes, while some managed to escape with injuries.

“Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds,” he said.

According to him, the attackers entered Dekara after Friday prayers, surrounded a mosque and took worshippers into the forest.

Borgu reiterated that the gunmen subsequently moved into neighbouring communities, where they abducted more people after Friday prayers.

The lawmaker said youths and heads of households were among those taken away.

The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in Borgu, which borders Kebbi and Kwara states, as well as the Republic of Benin.