Communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have released the names of 547 worshippers allegedly abducted during attacks on mosques in Dekara District, challenging recent claims that the number of victims was far lower.
The community’s account contradicts figures attributed to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who reportedly said 33 people were abducted from a mosque, while another 30 were taken from a market, bringing the total to 63.
Bago reportedly described reports that more than 500 people had been abducted as “social media hype” while receiving former governor and Senator Abubakar Sani Bello at the Government House. According to the governor, three of those abducted had been killed while 14 others had been rescued.
Borgu LGA Chairman Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi also reportedly supported the lower figure, telling Daily Trust that “a little above 60” people were kidnapped during the attacks. However, the community has rejected those figures.
In a document released by the affected communities, Zubairu Umar, the Youth President of Dekara District, said 547 residents were taken into the Kainji Lake National Park Forest during the attacks. He said the whereabouts and condition of those abducted remained unknown.
The attacks occurred on August 21, 2026, when armed men reportedly raided four mosques in Dekara District during Friday Juma’at prayers.
