By Umar Babangida
Armed bandits stormed a market in Niger State on January 4, 2026, killing no fewer than 30 people and kidnapping several others in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The bandits reportedly invaded Kasuwan-Daji market in the community at about 4:30pm on Saturday, looting foodstuffs and other valuables worth millions of naira before setting the market ablaze.
Verity News gathered that the attackers operated from around 4pm on Saturday until the early hours of Sunday, carrying out the assault without resistance.
An unspecified number of residents were also reportedly abducted during the attack. During the burial of the deceased victims, some residents claimed that the number of people killed could be over 50. One of the residents alleged that more than 50 people were tied and killed by the attackers.
The bandits were said to have emerged from the National Park in Borgu Local Government Area and launched the attack in broad daylight.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said over 30 people lost their lives, while several others were kidnapped.
He said: “On 03/01/2026 at about 9pm, information received revealed that at about 4:30pm of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan-Daji, located at Demo Village via Kabe, and burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items.
“On 04/01/2026 at about 8am, a report indicated that a joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack. Some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims. Further developments will be communicated.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a condolence message, has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice.