Bandits attack Niger market, kill 30, abduct several others

At least 30 people have been reported killed and several others abducted after suspected bandits attacked a village market in Kabe District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attackers, believed to be operating from the Kainji Lake National Park axis, stormed the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village on Saturday, setting parts of the market on fire and carting away food and other goods.

They were also said to have seized residents along escape routes leading toward the forest.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said a joint security team later visited the area and confirmed multiple casualties.

According to him, information received on January 3 indicated that the assailants invaded the market at about 4:30 p.m., burned stalls and looted shops. A follow-up report on January 4 showed that more than 30 people had lost their lives, while several others were taken away.

He added that security agencies had begun efforts to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims, promising to release further updates as the situation develops.

The incident comes months after a mass abduction on November 21, 2025, when gunmen kidnapped 315 pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Over time, many of the abducted students were released, with authorities eventually announcing that all had regained their freedom.