The communities of Kasuwar Daji, located near Papiri village, and Kaima, within Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State, recently endured a series of brutal terrorist attacks that left a trail of death, abduction, and widespread destruction. Survivor Mohammed Suleiman recounted the devastating impact of the raid on Kasuwar Daji, describing how over 40 people were killed and many others, including women, children, and the elderly, were abducted during coordinated assaults involving machetes, gunfire, and arson. Suleiman tragically detailed the complete loss of his family's and neighbors' livelihoods, stating, “We have been left with nothing after the attack. Our farms produce such as rice, maize, Guinea corn, sugar cane and everything we harvested has been burnt.” He spoke of witnessing the gruesome killing of gathered children, elderly men, and women, and the plight of surviving children now without food, emphasizing, “I'm only left with just a pair of my farm clothes that I was wearing when they attacked us, no footwear.”

Eyewitness accounts and police reports confirmed that the attackers, believed to be bandits from the Kainji Lake National Park forest area, a known hideout, raided villages for approximately two hours on a Saturday evening, burning homes, markets, and food stores. The Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed over 30 deaths in Kasuwan Daji alone and an unconfirmed number of abductions. Some reports indicated the total death toll could be as high as 60 across the affected areas. Two villagers who attempted to resist the terrorists were reportedly slaughtered in front of their families, instilling terror among others.

The attacks prompted widespread condemnation and swift responses from national and state leaders. President Bola Tinubu declared that the terrorists had tested Nigeria’s resolve and must face the full consequences of their criminal actions. He issued marching orders to the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, all service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, directing them to track down, apprehend, and bring the perpetrators and their enablers to justice. President Tinubu also mandated security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities and rescue all abducted victims, urging Nigerians to remain united and resolute against divisive rhetoric. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago described the attacks as “cruel and nefarious,” assuring that his administration is collaborating with the federal government and security agencies to enhance security. Governor Bago, through his Chief Press Secretary, noted that victims included both Muslims and Christians, ruling out a genocidal intent. Mr. Obed Nana, the Commissioner for Information, blamed the incident on terrorists fleeing military operations in Kwara and Kebbi states. He also reported attacks on a police outpost in Shafacci village and a Catholic Missionary School in Sukumbara Village, where property was destroyed, though no casualties were reported at the latter. Further alarming reports by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, however, mentioned the abduction of pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri.

Other prominent figures also reacted strongly. Ogun State Governor and Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman, Dapo Abiodun, condemned the killings as callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity, calling for swift justice. The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), led by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, deplored the