Bloodshed in Niger State as Armed Gangs Kill Over 30, Burn Market, and Kidnap Villagers Near School Abduction Area

Fear returned to Niger State after armed gangs carried out a deadly raid on Kasuwan Daji village. The attack left more than 30 people dead. Several others were abducted. The incident happened on Saturday in the Kabe district.

Police said the attackers arrived in large numbers. They struck without warning. First, they set the local market on fire. Flames spread quickly. Shops were looted for food. Villagers tried to escape. Many were caught. Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the deaths and kidnappings.

Soon after, the presidency reacted. President Bola Tinubu’s office said the attackers may be terrorists. Officials believe they were fleeing military pressure in northwest Nigeria. This followed Christmas Day airstrikes on militants linked to the Islamic State group. Tinubu promised justice. He said all those involved would be arrested.

However, fresh concerns emerged. The local Catholic Church said the death toll could be higher. Church officials reported more than 40 deaths. They also claimed the attackers operated for hours. There was no immediate security response. This raised alarm among residents.

The attack happened near Papiri village. This is where over 250 students and staff were abducted in November. Although the victims were later freed, fear remains high. Niger State has since seen repeated attacks. Communities feel exposed.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris urged calm. He said the attackers did not target any religion. Victims came from all backgrounds. They included farmers, traders, parents and children. Both Christians and Muslims were affected.

Nigeria’s security forces face heavy pressure. The country battles many threats at once. These include banditry, terrorism, separatist violence, and communal clashes. Resources remain stretched. Response times are slow in remote areas.

The government says changes are coming. Defence spending has increased. A new defence minister is in office. Security reforms are underway. Still, attacks continue.

For Kasuwan Daji residents, the pain is fresh. Families are mourning. Homes are deserted. Fear hangs in the air. Many now ask one question. When will peace return?