An unspecified number of Muslim worshippers have reportedly been abducted by gunmen in several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, shortly after Friday’s Juma’at prayer.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, with Dekara, Gidan Zana, Masaka and Sabon Gida among the communities affected.
According to security sources and eyewitnesses cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the gunmen struck shortly after worshippers completed prayers at the central mosque in Dekara.
Among those reportedly taken was the 90-year-old father of the district head of Dekara, adding to concerns over the security situation in the affected communities.
Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the abduction.
Abiodun said security agencies had immediately mobilised personnel and launched efforts to locate the victims and arrest those responsible.
He also confirmed that no deaths had been recorded in connection with the attack.
However, the rescue operation has reportedly been slowed by difficult terrain and poor road conditions in the area.
According to the police spokesman, a collapsed bridge connecting the affected communities to the Borgu LGA headquarters has further complicated the movement of security personnel.
Despite the logistical difficulties, Abiodun said security agencies were working to overcome the challenges and intensify the search for the abducted worshippers.
The number of victims remains unclear as authorities continue efforts to establish the full details of the incident and secure their release.
Source: Niger State Police Command / Zagazola Makama.
