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Residents of several communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State are fleeing their homes amid fears of renewed terrorist attacks following fresh threats issued after last Saturday’s massacre that left more than 40 people dead.
Villagers told Punch that the attackers warned of continued killings, triggering widespread panic and displacement across communities bordering Agwara, Borgu and parts of Kebbi State. Residents also alleged that soldiers initially deployed to the affected areas later withdrew, leaving communities without visible security protection.
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Kasuwan Daji, a border settlement between Agwara and Borgu LGAs, was identified as the epicentre of the attack. The community’s popular weekly market was reportedly overrun by terrorists who allegedly tied up their victims and killed at least 42 men before setting houses and market stalls ablaze.
A resident who spoke anonymously appealed to both the Federal and Niger State governments to urgently deploy a strong and well-equipped military force to the area. “Without security, there will be massive and ongoing loss of life and permanent displacement,” he said, adding that the terrorists were believed to be operating from hideouts within the Kainji Game Reserve.
Confirming the deteriorating situation, the Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kabirat, said priests and parishioners were relocating for safety. “These terrorists are having a field day, and our people are moving out for fear of being killed or kidnapped,” he said.
Kabirat revealed that the attackers, riding about 30 motorcycles, stormed several villages between December 28, 2025, and January 3, 2026, killing civilians, abducting women and children, destroying a Catholic church in Sokonbora, and burning a police outpost in Shafaci.
Another resident, Abuka, said schoolchildren recently released from captivity were further traumatised and forced to hide in the bush with their families. “People are abandoning their homes and properties in large numbers,” he said.
While the Niger State Police spokesperson could not be reached, the Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, confirmed the attacks and urged residents to remain calm. He said the state government was collaborating with federal authorities and security agencies to prevent further violence.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a nationwide manhunt for the perpetrators, directing top security chiefs to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also condemned the killings, describing them as “heartbreaking” and calling for swift, decisive security action.
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