Residents of several communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State are fleeing their homes amid fears of renewed attacks after terrorists reportedly issued fresh threats following last Saturday’s massacre that left over 40 people dead.

Villagers told The PUNCH that the assailants warned they would continue the killings, triggering panic and displacement across border communities linking Agwara, Borgu and Kebbi State.

The residents alleged that soldiers deployed to the affected areas withdrew shortly after their arrival, leaving communities without visible security presence.

Villagers from Kwana, the last village in Agwara LGA, and Tungan Salama, near Papiri in Borgu LGA, said they had received credible information that the terrorists were planning to strike again.

Kasuwan Daji, a border village between Agwara and Borgu LGAs, was the epicentre of Saturday’s attack. The community, known for its weekly Wednesday market, was razed as the assailants allegedly tied the hands of their victims and killed 42 men, setting houses and market stalls ablaze.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed to the Federal and state governments to urgently deploy a strong military presence to the area.

“Without security there will be a massive and on-going loss of life and permanent displacement of large numbers of people.

“It is clear that pending the elimination of the terrorists and dismantling of their hideouts in Kainji Game Reserve, there is an immediate need for a large and well-equipped military task force in the area capable of and empowered to pursue, engage and eliminate these terrorists whenever they come out of the Game Reserve again for further attacks,” he said.

Confirming the situation, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kabirat, said parishioners and priests were relocating due to fear of fresh attacks.

“As I am talking to you, our parishioners and priests are leaving for fear of possible attacks. The security personnel that came after the incident cannot be found, there are no signs of help for the people. These terrorists are having a field day and our people are moving from that axis for fear of either being killed or kidnapped,” he said.

Kabirat gave background to the attacks, saying that on December 28, 2025, heavily armed terrorists riding on about 30 motorcycles, with two persons on each, stormed the area.

“The victims are both Christians and Muslims; they also kidnapped an unknown number of women and children. They set the place on fire. It was so intense that the smoke could be seen 15 kilometres away at Papiri,” he said.

He said the attackers left their hideout in Borgu Game Reserve, travelling through Kanu Hills and the villages of Sokonbora, Bako-Mission and Shafaci.

“They crossed into Kebbi State, north of Shafaci, and proceeded to the village of Kaiwa, where they killed five people and set fire to houses and grain stores. They then moved on to Gebe, where they killed two more people.

“On Thursday, January 1, 2026, the terrorists passed through Shafaci again and burned documents at the Police Station before spending the night in the bush.

“They passed near Bako-Mission and the Tungan Kure junction near Pissa Village on January 2, where they gave some individuals a telephone number to be delivered to the District Head of Pissa and the Village Head of Sokonbora.

“And at about 10am on January 2, 2026, they entered the Catholic Church compound in Sokonbora and destroyed a crucifix, pictures of the Stations of the Cross and musical instruments, where they also stole two motorcycles, mobile phones and cash.

“After leaving Sokonbora, they occupied some Kambari compounds, where they spent the rest of that day until the afternoon of the next day, January 3, 2026, feasting and eating the fowls and goats of the people,” he added.

Another resident, Abuka, said the people of Papiri, Kwana and Tungan Salama were living in constant fear.

“Between Sunday, December 28, 2025 and Saturday, January 3, 2026, these groups of bandits have been roaming freely without being challenged by security forces.

“As a result, the Papiri school children, who were recently released from captivity, including my daughter, have been further traumatized as they are forced to hide in the bush with their families.

“Nevertheless, people are moving from the area in large numbers, abandoning their homes and properties,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or a WhatsApp message.

However, the Niger State Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, confirmed the attacks and urged residents to remain calm.

“The terrorists had also invaded some communities on their way through parts of Rijau and Agwara LGAs, killing many innocent people.

“They also attacked a police outpost in Shafacci village and a Catholic Missionary School in Sukumbara village, where they carted away two motorcycles and destroyed some school property, but there were no casualties there.

“The Government of Niger State is deeply saddened by this unfortunate tragedy and is collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to forestall further attacks, while calling on the people to remain vigilant,” he said.

Over 40 people were killed and several others abducted when terrorists invaded communities in Agwara and Borgu LGAs on Saturday. The Niger State Police Command confirmed the killings and said security personnel had been deployed to rescue the abducted victims.

President Bola Tinubu had on Sunday ordered a manhunt for the terrorists responsible for a deadly attack on communities in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and many others abducted.

In a statement on Sunday personally signed by him, the President said he had directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to track down the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” Tinubu said.

“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. In addition, those who aid, abet or enable them will also be brought to justice,” he added.

Also, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday condemned the Niger attack, describing it as another grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the incident as “heartbreaking, senseless, and a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting many Nigerian communities.”

“My heart is heavy as I mourn the innocent men and women who were brutally murdered at Kasuwan Daji Market,” the senator said. “These were ordinary Nigerians going about their lawful activities, only to be cut down by evil forces that have no regard for human life.”

She extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, assuring them of her solidarity at what she described as a moment of profound grief.

“I sympathize profoundly with the families who have lost loved ones in this cruel attack,” she stated. “No words can truly heal such pain, but I pray that God grants the families the strength and comfort to bear these irreparable losses.”

The senator also expressed concern over reports of abductions and the destruction of the market, warning that such attacks go beyond the loss of lives to cripple local economies and livelihoods.

“The burning of the market and the kidnapping of innocent citizens further deepen the trauma on these communities,” she said. “This cycle of violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked.”

Calling for urgent action, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged security agencies to swiftly track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I call on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently in apprehending those responsible. Our people deserve protection, and criminals terrorising our communities must be confronted with the full weight of the law,” she said.

She further stressed the need for a proactive, intelligence-driven security approach, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities increasingly targeted by criminal gangs.

“Nigeria cannot afford to normalise these tragedies,” she added. “Protecting lives and property is the foremost duty of any government, and urgent steps must be taken to restore peace and confidence among our people.” (The PUNCH)

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