Chairman of Borgu LGA, Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi, has confirmed that at least 30 people were killed and more than 60 worshippers abducted after suspected terrorists attacked four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State during last Friday’s prayers.
The attacks had occurred simultaneously at mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities, where the assailants reportedly rounded up worshippers and took them into the forest.
Abdullahi, who confirmed that there were casualties during the attack, told newsmen that the deceaseds’ are among those abducted during the violent attacks on the mosques in the council.
According to him, “From the records I have, those kidnapped were a little above 60. Those that were killed were close to 30.”
He stated that residents of the affected areas had recovered and buried the bodies of those killed, while security forces had moved into the affected communities to restore calm.
Abdullahi also confirmed that several houses were also burnt during the attacks, including the residence of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar.
The renewed violence has reportedly forced scores of residents to flee their homes, with some relocating to New Bussa while others crossed into neighbouring Benin Republic following threats by the terrorists.
The chairman said the military presence had helped restore relative calm in the affected areas, although many residents remained too frightened to return.
Meanwhile, security agencies have launched a joint operation to track the attackers and secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
Residents have appealed to the security authorities to intensify the operation and rescue those still being held by the terrorists.
Niger Mosque Attacks: 30 killed, over 60 abducted – Chairman Borgu LG, Abdullahi