More Horrific Details Emerge as Bandits Attack Niger Market; Death Toll Put Above 50

More disturbing details have emerged from the attack carried out by bandits on Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where eyewitnesses say more than 50 people were killed.

The attack took place on Saturday and reportedly began at about 4:00 pm, lasting several hours into the early hours of Sunday. Women and traders were among those killed when the assailants stormed the busy market.

Residents said the attackers, believed to have come from routes linked to the Kainji Lake National Park in Borgu LGA, opened fire on villagers, looted foodstuffs and other goods worth millions of naira, and later set the market ablaze.

An eyewitness, who spoke by telephone, said the bandits operated without any immediate resistance and moved freely within the community.

“They surrounded the market and started shooting. Many people tried to escape but were caught. More than 50 people were tied up and killed, while others were taken away into the forest,” the resident said.

Several people were also abducted during the attack, although the exact number remains unclear. Victims were reportedly forced through bush paths leading towards the national park.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command said it has so far confirmed the death of over 30 people.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack occurred on January 3, 2026, when suspected bandits invaded the area from the National Park forest along Kabe District.

“On 03/01/2026 at about 9:00 pm, information received revealed that at about 4:30 pm of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji, located at Demo village via Kabe, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items,” Abiodun said.

He added that a joint security team visited the scene on Sunday morning.

“On 04/01/2026 at about 8:00 am, 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,” he said.

Residents said the community remains in fear, with many families searching for missing relatives. They also called on the government to strengthen security around border communities and forest areas to prevent further attacks.