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Deadly Bandit Raid in Niger State’s Borgu Area Claims Over 30 Lives
Violent Assault Near Kainji Lake National Park
In a tragic development, more than 30 individuals have lost their lives following a violent incursion by suspected bandits in the Borgu local government area of Niger State. These armed groups are reported to be active around the forested regions adjacent to Kainji Lake National Park, particularly near the Kabe District.
Market Set Ablaze and Mass Kidnappings
Eyewitnesses and local sources reveal that the attackers targeted the bustling Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, setting it on fire. During the assault, numerous villagers were abducted, while the bandits ransacked the stalls of small-scale traders, seizing mainly food supplies and other goods. The criminals reportedly infiltrated the community via routes leading from the expansive Kainji Lake National Park forest, firing sporadically to intimidate residents as they looted.
Security Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
According to Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, a combined security task force has been deployed to the affected area. He confirmed the death toll exceeds 30 and acknowledged that several individuals remain in captivity. “Efforts are underway to secure the release of those kidnapped,” Abiodun stated.
Context: Rising Banditry and Previous Kidnappings in Niger State
This recent attack follows a similar incident where bandits stormed St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, abducting over 100 students and staff members. After more than three weeks in captivity, the victims were freed through federal government intervention. Such incidents underscore the escalating security challenges facing communities around Niger State, with banditry and kidnappings becoming increasingly frequent.
Understanding the Broader Security Landscape
Banditry in Nigeria’s northwest and central regions has surged in recent years, with the Nigerian Security Tracker reporting over 1,000 fatalities linked to such attacks in the past year alone. The dense forests and difficult terrain around Kainji Lake National Park provide cover for these criminal groups, complicating counterinsurgency efforts. Strengthening local intelligence networks and enhancing rapid response capabilities remain critical to curbing these violent outbreaks.
