Suspected terrorists launched a series of coordinated attacks on communities in the Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, Nigeria, killing at least 42 people.
According to sources, the gunmen have been attacking villages in Agwarra for over a week without resistance.
Residents said the gunmen wreaked havoc on several communities before abducting scores, including pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra.
“They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, another five in Kaima village, and abducted many people including children. Some of these children are students of the same schools,” a source told newsmen.
Stephen Kabirat, the director of communications for the Catholic Church in Kontagora Diocese, confirmed the attacks on the Catholic mission house.
He said the terrorists killed over 40 people, abducted villagers including children, and destroyed church property.
“Our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago. They destroyed religious items, stole two motorcycles, and took cash exceeding N200,000,” he said.
Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the Niger Police Command, confirmed the attacks.
He said the gunmen attacked Kasuwan Daji in Borgu LGA around 4:30pm on Saturday, burning the market, looting shops, and carting away food supplies.
He said over 10 people were killed and only Borgu LGA was attacked by the gunmen.
“At least over 30 persons were killed, and several others kidnapped. A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing,” he said.
The police assured that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
