Bandit Attack in Niger State: Over 30 Killed, Scores Abducted in Kasuwan Daji Market Assault

Security sources have confirmed that more than 30 people were killed and numerous others abducted after suspected armed bandits ambushed a busy market in Niger State, Nigeria on Saturday.

According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers launched their assault at the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, located within the Borgu Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun said the assailants, believed to be operating from hideouts near the Kainji Lake National Park forest, stormed the market around 4:30 pm, burning stalls and looting food items and goods before fleeing the scene.

“Suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan-Daji, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items,” Abiodun said in a statement.

The coordinated attack continued into the early hours of Sunday, leaving the community in shock as recovery efforts unfolded. A joint security team visited the site of incident, confirming that more than 30 villagers lost their lives during the attack, while several others were taken captive.

Residents stated that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and opening fire indiscriminately, causing panic among traders and shoppers. Eyewitness accounts say women and children were among those affected.

Authorities have launched search operations to locate the abducted victims, but no official figure has yet been released on how many were taken. According to the security authorities, there are efforts being made to restore order in the area.

This systematic raid highlights a larger recent increase in violent attacks that have begun to take place in certain areas of northern Nigeria, where isolated areas of that region continue to be at risk of bandit attacks.