Fresh terror attacks have left no fewer than 42 people dead and scores abducted in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, as gunmen once again targeted communities around Papiri, including St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, weeks after pupils from the institution were freed from captivity.
The coordinated assaults, carried out on Saturday, struck Kasuwan Daji and Kaima communities, with women and children among the victims. Survivors were forced to flee as the attackers abducted an unconfirmed number of villagers and retreated towards the vast Kainji National Park, which residents say has become the operational base of the terror group.
A source from the affected area said 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others were murdered in Kaima village. According to the source, several children, including some students who had only recently regained their freedom, were among those abducted.
“Our communities are under siege,” the source said. “They crossed the River Rofia from Kebbi State and attacked us again. We are helpless and need urgent government intervention.”
The bloodshed followed a series of violent incidents in the area. Just days earlier, gunmen fleeing a military operation in Kwara State reportedly invaded Gebe and Goro communities in Agwara LGA, killing two residents, looting property and setting more than 15 houses ablaze.
Last week, the violence spread to neighbouring Borgu Local Government Area, where attackers overran a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps checkpoint in Wawa community. Security operatives were said to have fled, allowing the gunmen to escape with arms and ammunition.
Residents insist the attackers have entrenched themselves within Kainji National Park, from where they repeatedly launch raids on nearby settlements with little resistance.
The Catholic Church in Niger State confirmed the killings and abductions. The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, said more than 40 people were killed during the attacks.
He revealed that the mission house in Papiri was also targeted. “Our parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the terrorists stormed the mission house three days ago,” Kabirat said. “They vandalised church property, stole two motorcycles and made away with over N200,000 in cash. Villagers, including children, were also abducted.”
The renewed violence has deepened fear across the area, displacing entire communities. A resident said many villagers now sleep in the bushes, even after the earlier release of abducted schoolchildren, due to persistent threats from the gunmen.
Confirming the attacks, the Niger State Police Command said it received distress calls around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, reporting that suspected bandits had invaded communities in Agwara LGA, killing more than 30 people and abducting several others.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers emerged from the National Park forest along Kebe District and stormed Kasuwan Daji at about 4:30 p.m., killing residents before burning the market, looting shops and carting away food items.
He said a joint security team had since visited the affected communities and that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims, assuring that further updates would be provided.
As of Sunday, tension remained high across the area, with residents lamenting what they described as relentless attacks and the growing grip of terror groups on their communities.
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