At least 30 people abducted during attacks on four mosques in Niger State have reportedly been killed by their captors, according to the chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the mosques simultaneously during Juma’at prayers on Friday. This took place in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities. The attackers were said to have gathered worshippers at the mosques before marching them into a nearby forest.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Monday, Abdullahi said more than 60 people were abducted during the attacks, with nearly 30 subsequently killed.
“From the records I have, those kidnapped were a little above 60. Those that were killed were close to 30,” the chairman said.
He also added that the affected communities had recovered and buried the bodies of those killed.
“The military has gone in there. The whole place is calm. We lost some people, and the burials were done. Some people ran away to safer grounds,” Abdullahi said.
Houses Set Ablaze as Residents Flee
The attackers reportedly set fire to several houses during the assault, including the residence of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar.
Following the attacks, dozens of residents reportedly fled the affected communities for safer locations, including New Bussa and the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
Residents were also said to have fled after terrorists threatened to kill people who remained in the communities.
“Only a few people are in Dekara now. Many people have left,” a resident told Daily Trust.
The attacks have heightened fears among residents of communities around Borgu LGA. Particularly as the whereabouts of the remaining abducted worshippers remain unclear.
Security Forces Launch Operation
The police said a joint operation had been launched to track the attackers and facilitate the rescue of the captive. A resident of one of the affected communities urged security agencies to intensify pressure on the terrorists. And also adopt strategies that have previously been used to rescue abducted victims.
The resident specifically referenced the recent rescue of more than 40 students and teachers. The victims were rescued following a month-long intelligence-driven operation targeting the criminal group responsible for their abduction.
Military Dismantles Kidnapping Network
Jonah Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, said the operation that led to the students’ rescue focused on identifying the masterminds behind the abduction. While also dismantling their network and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park.
According to Danjuma, several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation. He said the arrests disrupted the group’s activities and placed sustained pressure on its members.
The latest attacks in Borgu have nevertheless renewed concerns over the security of rural communities in Niger State, where armed groups have continued to abduct residents and threaten local populations.
Authorities are now under pressure to locate the remaining abducted worshippers. While also apprehending those responsible for the attacks and preventing further attacks on communities in the area.
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