By Jelili Gbadamosi
Suspected bandits have attacked several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting scores of residents shortly after Friday prayers.
The affected communities include Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka, according to the federal lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu.
The lawmaker said the exact number of people taken by the attackers remained unknown as of the time of filing the report.
He disclosed that the gunmen stormed Dekara shortly after the Jumat prayer, surrounded a mosque and forced several worshippers into the forest.
Borgu added that the attackers later moved to neighbouring communities, where they continued the abductions, targeting youths and heads of households.
Some worshippers reportedly sustained machete injuries during the attacks, while others managed to escape from the assailants.
“Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds,” the lawmaker said.
The attacks have renewed concerns over the security situation in Borgu, a border local government area sharing boundaries with Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.
Residents are now faced with heightened fear as authorities continue efforts to determine the number of victims and respond to the latest wave of attacks.
