An armed group launched an attack on Kasuwan-Daji village in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, on Saturday evening. The assault resulted in multiple fatalities and the abduction of an unspecified number of residents. Police reported at least 30 deaths, while local sources and a church official indicated higher casualty figures.
Overview of the Incident
The attack on Kasuwan-Daji village unfolded on Saturday evening. Gunmen initiated gunfire against residents, set fire to the local market and several houses, and looted commercial establishments. Residents reported that the attack lasted for up to three hours. Individuals described as the attackers had reportedly been observed in nearby communities for approximately one week prior to the incident.
Casualty Reports
Reports on the number of fatalities vary:
- Niger State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun stated on Sunday that at least 30 villagers were killed, and an unspecified number were abducted.
- Two residents estimated the death toll at 37, suggesting it could be higher, with some individuals remaining unaccounted for as of Sunday.
- Rev. Fr. Stephen Kabirat, spokesman for the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese, reported that over 40 people were killed and that children were among those abducted.
Security Response and Community Concerns
Police authorities stated that officers had been deployed to search for the kidnapped individuals and that an emergency team was assisting the injured. However, residents contradicted these claims, stating that security forces had not arrived in the area as of Sunday. This alleged absence reportedly led to delays in recovering bodies due to safety concerns. Witnesses appealed for government intervention and noted the absence of security forces in the village during the event. Abdullahi Rofia, an official from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), corroborated reports of residents being congregated and killed and noted community members' apprehension about speaking publicly.
Regional Context
The attackers were reportedly from the National Park Forest along the Kabe district, a region where armed groups are known to utilize extensive forest reserves as operational bases and hideouts. The Nigerian government has classified these criminal groups, often referred to as 'bandits,' as terrorists. Paying ransom to these groups is illegal, though reports suggest this regulation is sometimes disregarded.
This incident aligns with a pattern of violence in Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target remote communities with limited security infrastructure. Attacks and kidnappings by armed criminal groups have been a recurring issue for several years, with recent reports indicating a spike in such incidents across the country's western and central regions.
The Kasuwan-Daji attack occurred near the Papiri community, where over 300 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November. Residents reported a resulting displacement of individuals from Kasuwan-Daji following the attack.