Gunmen Killed 30 Worshippers After Attacking Four Niger Mosques

At least 30 worshippers abducted during attacks on four mosques in Niger State have been killed by their captors, authorities have confirmed.

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The gunmen stormed the mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities in Borgu Local Government Area during Juma’at prayers last Friday.

The attackers reportedly took the worshippers away after gathering them together and marching them into nearby forests.

Borgu LGA Chairman, Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi, said about 60 people were abducted during the coordinated attacks, with nearly half later killed.

According to him, the victims’ bodies have been recovered and buried, while security forces have moved into the affected areas.

“The attackers took advantage of the prayer period to abduct residents. Sadly, close to 30 of those taken have been killed,” Abdullahi said.

He added that several properties were also destroyed, including the residence of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar, which was reportedly burnt.

The attacks have triggered a fresh wave of displacement, with residents fleeing to New Bussa and neighbouring Benin Republic following threats from the gunmen.

A resident said only a small number of people remained in Dekara, as most families had left their homes for safer locations.

Security agencies have launched a joint operation to pursue the attackers and rescue those still being held captive.

Residents have, however, urged the authorities to intensify military operations and target terrorist hideouts in the area.

The latest violence has further deepened the security crisis in Borgu, where several communities have suffered repeated attacks, killings, abductions and destruction of property in recent months.

Residents said seven of the 10 wards in the local government have been affected by the violence, with many farmers abandoning their homes and farmlands.

Several communities have also reportedly been deserted, while schools and markets have closed because of persistent insecurity.

The violence has also disrupted farming and livestock activities in an area known for producing maize, rice, beans, millet, sorghum, groundnuts and other crops.

Residents alleged that terrorists have imposed levies on some communities and threatened attacks against those who refuse to pay.

They are now calling for stronger military presence, humanitarian assistance for displaced families and urgent measures to secure rural roads and farms.

The latest attacks came after a series of deadly incidents along communities and routes linking parts of Borgu, including attacks on farmers, travellers and security outposts.

Residents said the continued violence has made movement across rural areas increasingly dangerous and forced thousands of people away from their homes and sources of livelihood.