…“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our nation and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” Tinubu declared.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Terrorists responsible for the deadly attacks on communities in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and several others abducted are now being hunted, following an order by President Bola Tinubu for a comprehensive manhunt.
In a statement personally signed on Sunday, the President said he had instructed 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 those responsible for the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our nation and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” Tinubu declared.
He warned that no one involved in the attacks would be spared, adding that collaborators would also be held accountable.
“No matter who they are or what their motive is, they must be hunted down. Those who aid, abet or enable them will equally be brought to justice,” the President said.
Tinubu further directed the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and ordered the intensification of security operations in vulnerable communities, especially those located near forests.
“These times call for our shared humanity. We must unite as one people to confront these monsters. Together, we can and must defeat them, deny them sanctuary and restore peace to the affected communities,” he said, while praying for the repose of the souls of the victims.
The presidential directive followed coordinated attacks by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers allegedly emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before invading Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village through Kabe.
Police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack started around 4:30 pm and lasted several hours.
“At about 4:30 pm on Saturday, suspected bandits stormed Kasuwan Daji, killing over 30 persons, setting the market ablaze, looting shops and making away with food items,” Abiodun said.
He explained that the attackers encountered little resistance due to the remoteness of the area, adding that security operatives were later deployed.
“A joint security team has visited the scene, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims. Further updates will be communicated,” he added.
While police confirmed that over 30 people were killed, residents and community leaders insisted the casualty figure was higher.
The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, said no fewer than 40 people lost their lives during the raid.
“The terrorists killed over 40 persons and took several others into captivity,” Kabirat said.
He revealed that the parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the attackers visited the Mission House three days earlier, destroying religious items and carting away two motorcycles and cash estimated at over ₦200,000.
Kabirat added that women and children were among those abducted.
A community source in Agwara Local Government Area, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the attacks were not limited to Kasuwan Daji.
“The terrorists struck communities in Agwara and Borgu, killing at least 42 people and abducting an unconfirmed number, including children,” the source said.
According to the source, 37 people were killed in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, while five others lost their lives in Kaima village.
The source added that fear has spread across the affected areas, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring communities and across the river for safety.
“This is a grave crisis. People are living in fear, and many villages have been deserted. The government and security agencies must urgently come to our aid,” the source said.
The area has experienced repeated attacks in recent months. In November 2025, terrorists raided St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, abducting 315 pupils, students and teachers. They were released about a month later following federal government intervention.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, condemned the killings, describing them as callous, senseless and a crime against humanity.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Abiodun expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the people of the state.
“I sympathise with the government and people of Niger State over the heinous attacks by terrorists that left 42 persons dead and many others abducted,” he said.
He described the assault on innocent citizens as a stain on the nation’s conscience and urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
Abiodun stressed that the attackers must be “completely crushed” to prevent further bloodshed, while praying for the repose of the victims’ souls and strength for their families.
