Gunmen stormed several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday, kidnapping an unspecified number of worshippers immediately after prayers.
The attacks struck Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka, with the gunmen closing in around mosques and seizing residents as they left.
The lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu, confirmed the attacks, noting that the exact number of abductees was still being determined.
Worshippers were reportedly assaulted with machetes during the raids. While some escaped, others suffered injuries while fleeing.
After striking Dekara, the gunmen pushed into neighbouring communities, carrying out further abductions once worshippers had finished praying. Youths and heads of households were said to be among those taken.
The attacks have deepened fear across Borgu, a border community touching Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.
The lawmaker said forests in the area have become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.
He said: “Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds. The attackers entered the mosque after Friday prayers, surrounded the mosque and took worshippers into the forest. They later moved into neighbouring communities and abducted more people after Friday prayers. The people taken away included youths and heads of households. The forests in the area have become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.”
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