In a devastating assault that has shocked the nation, armed bandits have killed at least 30 people and abducted an unspecified number of villagers during a brutal attack on a rural market in Niger State.
Market Raid Leaves Trail of Death and Destruction
The horrific incident unfolded on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a large group of suspected bandits stormed the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Kabe District, located within the Borgu Local Government Area. Witnesses reported that the assailants, believed to be operating from the vast Kainji Lake National Park, entered the market through Kabe, opening fire on traders and residents.
Beyond the lethal gunfire, the attackers set the entire market ablaze, looted shops of food items and other wares, and forced a significant number of villagers into captivity. The captives were marched into the forest paths leading back towards the national park, a known hideout for various armed groups.
Police Confirmation and Rescue Efforts
The Niger State Police Command officially confirmed the attack in a statement released on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, detailed the timeline, noting that the invasion occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, with information reaching the police by 9 p.m. that evening.
"On 04/01/2026 at about 8 a.m., a report indicated that a joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack. Some persons were also kidnapped," Abiodun stated. He emphasized that rescue efforts are actively ongoing to secure the safe return of those abducted, with further developments to be communicated.
Deepening Insecurity in Rural Communities
This attack underscores the severe and growing security challenges facing rural communities in Niger State and across Nigeria's north-central region. The targeting of Kasuwan Daji market, a central hub for trade and social interaction, highlights the vulnerability of these areas. The use of the Kainji Lake National Park as a sanctuary for bandits continues to complicate security operations, allowing perpetrators to strike and retreat with relative impunity.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concerns among locals and security analysts about the need for a more robust and proactive strategy to protect civilian lives and economic activities in the state. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by armed banditry, which results in loss of life, widespread kidnappings for ransom, and the destruction of livelihoods.
