Terror Strikes Niger: Bandits Abduct Worshippers, Village Head During Juma'at Service

Muslim worshippers, including the Village Head of Ka’aba and the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara, were abducted during Friday prayers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident occurred at a mosque in Kpenya village, Gidan-Zana, under Dekara District, while congregants were observing their weekly prayers. Similar abductions were reported in Gidan Zana, Masaka, Sabon Gida, and other neighbouring communities within the area.

Sources indicated that the attackers specifically targeted elderly individuals, accusing them of advocating for the establishment of military bases in the area to combat terrorist activities. The elders' calls for military intervention reportedly angered the assailants, leading to the abduction of numerous worshippers, primarily those aged 50 and above.

The attack was allegedly carried out by suspected members of three active terrorist groups in the region: Mamuda, Lakurawa, and Boko Haram. A significant number of Lakurawa fighters were said to have spearheaded the assault, surrounding the worshippers towards the end of their prayers before escorting them in groups into the Kainji Game Reserve forest, a known operational base for these terrorist groups.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack, with Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stating, "At about 2 pm, suspected terrorists invaded Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village via Dekara District, Borgu, and Kpenya mosque and abducted an unspecified number of persons during Friday prayer." He further assured that no deaths had been recorded in connection with the incident, and efforts were underway to identify the victims and ascertain their exact numbers.

However, security personnel responding to the incident have encountered significant logistical challenges. SP Abiodun disclosed that the difficult terrain and poor road conditions in the affected communities were hampering the movement and deployment of security forces. A collapsed bridge linking these communities with the Borgu Local Government headquarters has further impeded access, slowing down rescue operations and making it harder for personnel to quickly reach some of the affected areas and potential escape routes used by the attackers.

Despite these obstacles, security agencies have mobilised personnel and are intensifying search operations across surrounding forests and suspected escape routes. The police affirmed their commitment to overcoming these challenges, tracking down the perpetrators, securing the release of the abducted worshippers, and restoring security in the affected communities. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to assist in the rescue efforts.