Terrorists Attack Niger Communities, Abduct Worshippers

Terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida, and Gidan-Zana communities in Niger State, abducting worshippers and residents, including women and children. Survivors are being treated for injuries, some life-threatening.

The attackers later released a video showcasing captives, urging survivors to identify their loved ones, with indications that some captives may have been killed. Despite living under a self-imposed “Sharia rule,” many locals do not adhere to the terrorists' ideology.

The persistent attacks in Niger State have been ongoing for years, often underreported unless the number of abducted individuals is high. Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, a former governor of Niger State, stated that upon taking office in 2007, he was informed about the presence of extremists in the state.

He claimed to have dispersed a group of 7,000 armed individuals, many of whom were not Nigerians, with the support of the late President Musa Yar’Adua.