Armed terrorists have abducted more than 60 worshippers from the Central Mosque in Dekara town, located in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, during Friday's Jumu'at prayer. The attack occurred while the congregation was engaged in the weekly Islamic service, according to a resident who spoke anonymously by telephone to a correspondent.
Attack on Three Communities
The resident said the assault on Dekara was part of a broader security breach in Borgu LGA on Friday, August 21. Gunmen struck three communities in the local government area, with Dekara among the targets, as reported by Leadership.
"So many things have happened in Borgu LGA today. Terrorists attacked three communities, including Dekara. In Dekara, they went to the Central Mosque while Jumu'at prayer was ongoing and kidnapped more than 60 people. But they did not injure anybody," the resident said.
How the Attack Unfolded
Sources said a large number of terrorists opened fire indiscriminately before rounding up some of the worshippers inside the mosque. The gunmen then marched their captives out of the town and into the surrounding forest, Daily Trust reported. The exact number of those taken has not been confirmed by any official authority, and no casualties from gunfire have been reported at this time.
Police Yet to Confirm Abductions
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, was contacted for an official response but said he needed to verify the information before commenting. He had not reverted with any statement by the time this report was filed.
Borgu LGA has previously recorded incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks, with communities in the area remaining vulnerable to incursions by gunmen operating from forested areas along the Niger State border.
In a related incident, Legit.ng previously reported that terrorists launched a deadly assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, targeting two Christian churches during Easter celebrations. That attack left at least seven people dead and resulted in the abduction of several others, causing widespread fear among residents.
