Tragedy in Niger as 30 killed in mosque attacks, Tinubu orders rescue mission

About 30 people have died after last Friday’s attacks on Muslim worshippers during Jumaat prayers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the council chairman, Mohammed Abdullahi.

Abdullahi stated that the terrorists kidnapped around 60 worshippers from mosques in four villages during the prayers.

This update comes after President Bola Tinubu condemned the mass kidnapping and instructed security agencies to rescue those taken.

Reports show that the attacks happened at the same time during Juma’at prayers in the villages of Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida, and Gidan-Zana.

Sources said the attackers forced worshippers out of their mosques and drove them into the forest.

Abdullahi confirmed the situation in a phone interview with one of our reporters, mentioning that the attackers took more than 60 worshippers.

He said locals have recovered and buried about 30 bodies of people killed during or after the kidnappings.

“From the records I have, those kidnapped were just over 60. Those who were killed were nearly 30. Even though the military has been there and restored calm, some people have fled to safer places,” Abdullahi said.

He added that many houses were burned during the attacks, including the home of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar.

The chairman confirmed that victims were taken from the four communities while they were at Juma’at prayers.

After the attacks, many residents reportedly fled to New Bussa and nearby Benin Republic. The terrorists had threatened to kill anyone who stayed in the affected areas.

The police have also confirmed that a joint security operation has been sent to the affected communities. They will track the attackers and help rescue the remaining kidnapped worshippers.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the terrorists invaded Dekara and nearby villages, where they took many people, including women and children.

The attackers later released a video of the captives, which went viral on social media.

It is still unclear which group was behind the attack. But PREMIUM TIMES understands that the Dekara area has been under the control of Ansaru terror groups. Recently, a Boko Haram faction and Lakurawa have also moved to the area, making the situation more complicated.

In a statement on Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga revealed that Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service (SSS), and other security agencies to start an immediate coordinated rescue operation.

“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and humanity, and they will not escape justice,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in this brutal attack and pray that Almighty God grants them eternal rest, and gives their loved ones strength to cope with this painful loss.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your grief. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers are safely returned,” the statement added.

Tinubu also instructed the service chiefs to regularly update him on the rescue operation's progress until all the abducted are found.

“Terror will not intimidate Nigeria,” the president declared. “We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the value of human life.”

He prayed for the people of Niger State, assuring that the federal government firmly supports the state government and will provide all necessary assistance for recovery, relief, and security.

Residents of Borgu have called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to rescue those still held captive and bring lasting security to the affected communities.

These latest attacks have raised alarms about the worsening security situation in Borgu Local Government Area, especially in areas close to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.