A series of violent incidents occurred in Nigeria over the weekend of January 7-8, 2023, including an attack on a village in Niger state and a separate assault in Adamawa state, resulting in multiple fatalities and abductions.
Attack on Kasuwan-Daji Village, Niger State
On the evening of Saturday, January 7, a group of armed men attacked Kasuwan-Daji village in the Borgu local government area of Niger state, northern Nigeria.
Timeline and Events
According to the Niger state police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, the attackers entered the village and opened fire on residents. They also set fire to the local market and several houses. A local journalist reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles, congregated residents, and killed them through various methods, including shooting. The attack reportedly lasted for up to three hours.
Casualty and Abduction Reports
Official reports and witness accounts regarding the number of casualties differ:
- Niger state police confirmed at least 30 villagers were killed and an unspecified number were abducted.
- At least two residents estimated the death toll at 37, suggesting it could be higher as some individuals remained missing as of Sunday.
- Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, spokesman for the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, reported to local media that over 40 people were killed and that children were among those abducted.
- An official from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Rofia, corroborated reports of residents being congregated and killed.
"Over 40 people were killed and children were among those abducted." — Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat
Security Response
Police stated that officers had been deployed to search for the kidnapped individuals and an emergency team has been dispatched to assist the injured. However, residents indicated that security forces had not arrived in the area as of Sunday. A witness reported the absence of security forces during the event, and survivors expressed reluctance to retrieve bodies from the village without the presence of security forces.
Regional Context
Police identified the attackers as having originated from the National Park Forest along Kabe district. A resident reported that individuals perceived to be the attackers had been observed in nearby communities for approximately one week prior to the incident. The attack in Kasuwan-Daji village took place near the Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November.
Attack on Guyaku Community, Adamawa State
On Sunday, January 8, gunmen attacked the Guyaku community in the Gombi local government area of Adamawa state, northeastern Nigeria.
Casualties and Damage
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri confirmed that at least 29 people were killed. Local residents reported that the attackers targeted young people gathered at a football pitch, killing youths and women. They also burned places of worship, houses, and motorcycles.
"At least 29 people were killed, with attackers targeting youths at a football pitch."
Responsibility
Governor Fintiri attributed the attack to Boko Haram militants. The Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility, stating it killed at least 25 Christians and torched a church and motorcycles.
Response
Governor Fintiri condemned the attack and stated his intention to intensify security operations.
Other Incidents
- A separate attack in Lamurde district, over 100 kilometers from the Guyaku community, resulted in deaths and property loss, attributed to farmland disputes.
- In Kogi state, gunmen abducted 23 children and a school proprietor's wife from an unregistered orphanage and school. Security forces rescued 15 pupils; efforts for the remaining victims are ongoing.
Background
Since 2009, a jihadist insurgency in Nigeria, primarily involving Boko Haram and ISWAP, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced persons. The conflict has spread to neighboring Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Armed criminal groups, often referred to as 'bandits,' have been carrying out attacks and kidnappings in western and central regions of the country for several years. The Nigerian government has classified these groups as terrorists, and paying ransom is illegal, though reports suggest this regulation is sometimes disregarded.