Residents Flee Homes and Abandon Villages in Nigeria as Terrorists Kill Over 40 and Kidnap Many in Niger State

Residents of Agwara and Borgu local government areas in Niger State are fleeing their homes amid fears of renewed terrorist attacks.

Locals claim the militants, responsible for killing over 40 people and abducting many others last weekend, have threatened to strike again.

Villagers from Kwana, Tugan Salama, and surrounding areas told our correspondent that soldiers deployed after the attacks left shortly, leaving communities vulnerable.

“Without security, there will be a massive and ongoing loss of life and permanent displacement,” one villager said anonymously. “We urgently need a well-equipped military task force to track and eliminate these terrorists hiding in the Kanji Game Reserve.”

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Kasuwan Daji Massacre Sparks Outrage

Kasuwan Daji, a small village bordering Agwara and Borgu, has become a symbol of the recent terror. On Saturday, terrorists set fire to the village’s bustling Wednesday market, surrounding houses, and slaughtered 42 men after tying their arms behind their backs.

Residents appealed to the government and security agencies for immediate intervention, warning that further attacks could lead to permanent displacement.

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Churches and Communities on the Move

Revd. Father Matthew Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, confirmed that parishioners and priests are relocating to avoid further violence.

“As I speak, our people are leaving their homes because the security personnel who arrived after the initial attack are nowhere to be found,” he said. “The terrorists are having a field day, and our people are moving for fear of death or kidnapping.”

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A Harrowing Timeline of Attacks

Father Kabirat outlined the recent wave of terror:

• December 28, 2025: Around 30 heavily armed terrorists on motorcycles stormed villages in Agwara and Borgu, killing indiscriminately and kidnapping women and children. Smoke from the fires was visible 15 kilometers away.

• Subsequent Movements: The terrorists moved through Kanu Hills, Sokonbora, Bako-Mission, Shafaci, and crossed into Kebbi State. Along the way, they killed more villagers, burned homes and grain stores, and even vandalized the Sokonbora Catholic Church, stealing motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash.

• January 2–3, 2026: They continued to raid Kambari compounds, feasting on villagers’ livestock and living freely without challenge from security forces.

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Residents Continue to Live in Fear

Abuka, a local resident, described the trauma still haunting the communities. “Children who were recently released from captivity are hiding in the bush with their families,” he said. “People are abandoning homes and properties because they can no longer feel safe.”

The attacks have left the people of Papiri, Kwana, and Tugan Salama terrified, with no immediate solution in sight.

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Security Forces Respond, But Challenges Remain

Over 40 people were killed and several others abducted in Niger State on Saturday. The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Police confirmed the fatalities and said security officials were deployed to rescue those taken.

However, locals claim that despite deployments, the security presence is minimal and not sustained, leaving communities exposed to further attacks.

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Urgent Call for Action

The situation highlights the urgent need for a sustained and well-equipped military operation in the region.

Residents and community leaders continue to call on government and security agencies to dismantle terrorist hideouts, protect civilians, and restore safety to these vulnerable areas.

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