Amanze Chinonye
At least 30 people, including women, have been killed and several others abducted after suspected gunmen attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, authorities and residents confirmed on Sunday.
The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 3, when heavily armed assailants invaded the busy market, opening fire on traders and residents. The gunmen also looted food items and other valuables worth millions of naira before setting the market ablaze, leaving it largely destroyed.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding on motorcycles, and operated for several hours without resistance. Residents told reporters that the gunmen shot indiscriminately and tied up several victims, with many people taken away to unknown locations.
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Some community sources claimed the death toll could be higher than the official figure, alleging that dozens of victims were restrained and killed, while several traders and residents remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the number of abducted persons may be significant.
The gunmen were reported to have emerged from areas around the Kainji Lake National Park forest, a zone that has repeatedly been linked to armed groups operating in Borgu and neighbouring communities.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said police received information around 9 p.m. on Saturday that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District had attacked Kasuwan Daji market.
According to him, the assailants burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items, while killing more than 30 people and abducting several others.
“A joint security team visited the area the following morning and confirmed the casualties,” Abiodun said, adding that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and restore security in the area.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent raids in parts of Niger State, where rural communities and markets have increasingly come under assault by armed groups, despite repeated security operations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
