President Bola Tinubu has ordered an intensified security crackdown following deadly attacks on several communities in Niger State, directing top military, police and intelligence officials to hunt down those responsible and secure the immediate release of abducted residents.
In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu said he had instructed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to track the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the President said.
He added: “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. In addition, those who aid, abet or enable them will also be brought to justice.”
The President also ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and directed security agencies to strengthen operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests.
“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them and deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim peace for these attacked communities,” Tinubu said, while praying for the repose of the victims’ souls.
The directive followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon across Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State. Police said the assailants are believed to have emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village via Kabe.
According to Niger State Police Command spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, the attack began around 4:30 pm and lasted several hours.
“At about 4:30 pm on Saturday, suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji, killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items,” Abiodun said.
He noted that the attackers faced little resistance due to the remoteness of the area, adding that security forces were later deployed.
“A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims. Further developments will be communicated,” Abiodun said.
While police placed the death toll at over 30, residents and community leaders reported significantly higher casualties.
The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, said at least 40 people were killed.
“The terrorists have killed over 40 persons and taken some into captivity,” Kabirat said. “Our parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists visited our Mission House three days ago. They destroyed some religious items, carted away two motorbikes and cash worth over two hundred thousand naira.”
Kabirat said women and children were among those abducted during the attacks.
A community source in Agwara Local Government Area, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the violence spread beyond Kasuwan Daji.
“The terrorists attacked communities in Agwara and Borgu, killing no fewer than 42 persons and abducting an unconfirmed number of people, including children,” the source said.
According to the source, 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others were killed in Kaima village. The attacks, the source said, have continued for over a week with little resistance, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring villages and across the river for safety.
“This is a serious crisis. The government and security agencies should come to our aid. People are living in fear, and many communities are now deserted,” the source added.
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