Bandits have reportedly invaded Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of residents shortly after Friday prayers.
The attack occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Nasiru Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview.
Abdullahi said the attackers stormed Dekara, the largest community in the local government area, and other communities, including Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masata.
He said the exact number of residents abducted could not be immediately established, adding that the local government was working with security agencies to respond to the attack.
The chairman expressed confidence that the military and other security agencies would intervene, rescue the affected residents and restore security to the area.
However, a survivor alleged that the attackers were members of the Lakurawa group and said some residents were killed during the attack.
“Soon after finishing the normal Friday prayer, the armed group of Lakuwara, in their hundreds, wielding guns, knives and machetes, began to attack us,” the survivor said.
The survivor also alleged that the attackers killed some residents while accusing them of not following the group’s interpretation of Islam.
As of the time of filing the report, the number of people abducted could not be independently confirmed.
The Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide feedback on the incident but had yet to do so as of the time of filing the report