Crime

Niger in Mourning: Terrorist Attack Leaves 42 Dead, Students Abducted

Published by admin on January 4th, 2026.

Niger in Mourning: Terrorist Attack Leaves 42 Dead, Students Abducted

At least 42 people, including women and children, have been killed in a brutal terrorist attack that has left communities in Kasuwa Daji and Kaima in deep grief. The incident occurred on Saturday, with several villagers reportedly abducted and taken into Kainji National Park, including students from Papiri Missionary School who had recently been freed.

The attack follows closely on the heels of earlier violence in the area. Just five days ago, fleeing bandits from a military operation in Kwara State struck Gebe and Goro communities in Agwara Local Government Area, killing two people and burning over 15 homes after looting valuables. Additionally, a week prior, gunmen raided a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps checkpoint in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, seizing arms and ammunition while security personnel fled.

Sources reveal that the terrorists have established a stronghold in Kainji National Park, from which they launch repeated attacks on nearby villages. “They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri, five in Kaima, and abducted numerous residents, including children and some previously released students,” said one local informant. “We urgently need intervention from the government and security forces. The crisis across the River Rofia is escalating as the terrorists cross over from Kebbi State to attack villages. Just yesterday, they burned a market and kidnapped many, including children.”

Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Church in Kontagora Diocese, confirmed the attack. He stated that the terrorists killed more than 40 people and took an unknown number into captivity. “Our parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists raided our mission house three days ago. They destroyed church property, stole two motorcycles, and took cash amounting to over N200,000. They were searching for the priest, but thankfully he was unharmed, while villagers, including children, were abducted,” he said.

One local resident added that families of abducted schoolchildren have been forced to sleep in the bushes since their return due to the ongoing threat.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attack, stating that police received reports around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. “At approximately 4:30 p.m., suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kebe District attacked Kasuwan Daji via Kebe Village, killing over 30 people, burning the market, looting shops, and taking food supplies. A joint security team has visited the area, and rescue operations are ongoing. Updates will be communicated as available,” SP Abiodun said.