Tragedy has once again hit communities in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, as terrorists reportedly abducted an unspecified number of people — including pupils and students of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri — just weeks after they were released from captivity.
The latest assault, which occurred on Saturday around Kasuwa Daji and Kaima communities, left at least 42 people dead, many of them women and children. Residents say several villagers were forcefully taken into the vast Kainji National Park, a location increasingly described as a safe haven for armed groups operating in the area.
According to local sources, some of the abducted victims were among students of the Papiri missionary school who had only recently regained their freedom, deepening the pain and fear gripping the communities. The attack came barely five days after fleeing bandits from a military operation in Kwara State stormed nearby Gebe and Goro villages, killing two people and setting over 15 houses ablaze after looting valuables.
Residents also recalled a recent invasion of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps checkpoint in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly carted away arms and ammunition after security personnel fled for safety.
A source familiar with the area said the terrorists now operate freely from Kainji National Park, launching repeated attacks across communities near River Rofia and crossing over from Kebbi State. “They killed 37 people in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri and five more in Kaima village. Many people were abducted, including children and students who were earlier released,” the source said, pleading for urgent government intervention.
The Catholic Church also confirmed the incident. The Director of Communications of the Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, disclosed that over 40 people were killed and many others abducted. He revealed that a parish priest narrowly escaped abduction during an attack on the mission house, where terrorists destroyed church items, stole two motorcycles, and made away with over ₦200,000 in cash.
Fear has since taken over surrounding villages. One resident said some families, including those whose children were recently released, have resorted to sleeping in bushes at night due to constant threats.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said police received reports of the attack around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. He stated that suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji via Kebe village, killing over 30 people, burning the market, looting shops, and abducting an unconfirmed number of residents. A joint security team has since visited the area, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
The attack comes despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent New Year address, where he assured Nigerians of improved security and stronger collaboration with international partners, including the United States, to tackle terrorism.
For residents of Agwara and surrounding communities, however, the question remains painfully urgent: how long will these attacks continue, and why do the attackers keep escaping after leaving devastation behind?
