Mujeeb Akindoyin
Terrorists reportedly invaded four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday and abducted an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers during the Juma’at prayers.
The attackers were said to have stormed the communities at about 2pm, targeting worshippers gathered in mosques for the weekly congregational prayers.
The affected communities are Dekara, Sabon Gida, Masaka and Gidan Zana, with Dekara reportedly recording the highest number of abductions.
The incident has heightened fears among residents of the communities, which are located in an area that has faced growing security concerns.
The village head of Dekara, Umar Abubakar, confirmed the attack, saying the exact number of people abducted could not immediately be ascertained.
Abubakar said the attackers invaded the Central Mosque in Dekara and abducted several worshippers before moving to other nearby communities.
“Yes, it is true. For now, we can’t confirm the number of abducted victims because it happened in Dekara Central Mosque,” he said.
According to him, the gunmen subsequently attacked worshippers in the three neighbouring communities.
“They invaded four different villages but it was Dekara that recorded the highest number of victims. They abducted worshippers in Dekara, Sabon Gida, Masaka and Gidan Zana,” he added.
The village head said the attackers had yet to establish contact with the community or make any demand regarding the abducted residents.
He, however, disclosed that the assailants destroyed the community’s solar-powered communication network, further hampering efforts to communicate and coordinate a response after the attack.
“They have not contacted us and they destroyed our solar network,” Abubakar said.
The development came as residents awaited an official security account of the incident.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, said he had not been briefed on the attack when contacted.
“Perhaps, I’m not aware of the incident. Police or SSS around there would have the details. I have not retrieved the information,” the commissioner said.
He directed enquiries to the state police command for further details.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the police were unsuccessful as the command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached as of press time.
Calls and messages sent to the police spokesperson were not responded to.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities in Niger State, particularly residents who are increasingly exposed to attacks and abductions by armed groups.
As of press time, the identities and exact number of those abducted remained unknown, while there was no official confirmation of casualties or the whereabouts of the victims.
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