At least 30 people have been killed following coordinated attacks on four mosques in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday. Terrorists struck simultaneously during Juma'at prayers in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities, abducting dozens of worshippers.
Attack Details and Confirmation
The Chairman of Borgu LGA, Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi, confirmed the casualties to Daily Trust on Monday. He stated that the communities had recovered the bodies of the victims and buried them. "The military has gone in there. The whole place is calm. We lost some people, and the burials were done. Some people ran away to safer grounds," he said.
Abdullahi provided specific figures: "From the records I have, those kidnapped were a little above 60. Those that were killed were close to 30." He also noted that the attackers set fire to several houses, including the residence of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar.
Displacement and Security Response
Following the attacks, dozens of residents have fled to New Bussa and the Benin Republic after terrorists threatened to kill anyone who remained in the affected communities. A resident told Daily Trust, "Only a few people are in Dekara now. Many people have left."
Police have confirmed that a joint security operation has been launched to track the attackers and facilitate the rescue of the abducted worshippers. The operation involves multiple security agencies working together to locate the terrorists and free the captives.
Residents Appeal for Rescue Efforts
A resident in the affected community urged security agencies to mount pressure on the terrorists and use a similar method employed during the rescue of Oriire abductees to secure the release of all those in captivity. The reference to the Oriire rescue suggests that previous successful operations could serve as a model for the current situation.
The attacks have left the communities in a state of fear and uncertainty, with many residents seeking safety elsewhere. The military presence in the area has been increased, but the full scale of the tragedy is still being assessed.
