A brutal terrorist attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State has cast a shadow over the new year, claiming numerous lives and resulting in several abductions. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday, saw armed gangs invade the market, set it ablaze, loot shops for food, and kidnap many residents, including women and children.

Reports on the death toll varied, with figures ranging from over 30 to as high as 50. Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed over 30 fatalities, while a source from a neighboring community speaking to Daily Trust cited 50 deaths. The Catholic Church in Kontagora and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun reported over 40 and at least 42 lives lost, respectively, with some victims reportedly found with their hands tied behind their backs, indicative of the attack's brutality. The raid took place less than 20 kilometers from Papiri village, where hundreds of schoolchildren were abducted late last year, highlighting the persistent insecurity in the region.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, swiftly condemned the attack as a "national shame." He expressed deep concern that the country was beginning the new year with renewed violence and insecurity, citing similar recent attacks in Bong village, Plateau State; Shanono Local Government Area, Kano State; and Unguwar Naino community, Katsina State, on New Year's Day. Obi emphasized that the protection of lives is the primary responsibility of government and called for an "all-hands-on-deck approach" to end the menace of insecurity that has become a daily occurrence. He extended condolences to the affected families, stating, "This cycle of violence must be stopped."

President Bola Tinubu responded by ordering the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack, as well as to urgently rescue all abducted victims. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president, indicated that the attackers were suspected to be terrorists fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara after recent United States airstrikes. President Tinubu extended condolences to the victims' families and to the government and people of Niger State, vowing that the perpetrators and their enablers "must face the full consequences of their criminal actions." He assured residents that security agencies would intensify operations in vulnerable communities and urged Nigerians to remain united against divisive rhetoric.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed profound sadness over the attacks, describing them as "heinous and brazen." He stressed that such brutality against defenseless communities is unacceptable and deeply troubling, reiterating that the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. Atiku called for strengthened security measures, restoration of public confidence, and the prosecution of those responsible for these atrocities. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urged authorities to act swiftly to secure the safe and unconditional release of those abducted, particularly the children.

Governors across the country added their voices to the condemnation. Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, serving as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, described the attack as "callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity." He called on security agencies to swiftly track, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, stressing that such acts must not go unpunished and that the perpetrators must be "completely crushed." The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), through its Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, condemned the incident as a "cruel assault on innocent citizens and a grave threat to peace." Governor Yahaya expressed profound shock and outrage, noting the attack's impact on families, economic activities, and communal harmony. The NSGF chairman called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible and assured of the Forum’s continued collaboration with federal and security agencies to strengthen security architecture.

This latest act of violence underscores Nigeria's pervasive and multifaceted security challenges, which include a long-running jihadist insurgency, widespread banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts, stretching the nation's security forces thin. The Nigerian government has been working towards a national security revamp, with President Tinubu having recently ramped up defense spending and replaced his defense minister. Amidst these challenges, leaders from various political spheres called for collective action, national unity, and decisive efforts to bring an end to the cycle of violence plaguing the nation and to provide comfort and resilience to the grieving families.