Fear Grips Niger Communities As Residents Flee Over Fresh Bandit Threats

Residents of communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State have begun fleeing their ancestral homes following a deadly bandit attack over the weekend and fresh threats of renewed violence.

Naija News reports that the most affected communities include Kwana and Tugan Salama, located a few kilometres from Papir, the same area where over 300 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School were abducted just weeks ago.

Speaking with Vanguard on condition of anonymity, some residents lamented the absence of security forces, despite intelligence indicating that the terrorists were regrouping for another assault.

One villager said, “There is no single security presence in most of the areas right now. There is the need for relevant security agencies to come to our aid because without security, there will be massive and ongoing loss of life and permanent displacement of large numbers of people.”

The source further warned that unless a well-equipped military task force is deployed, the terrorists will continue their attacks, exploiting the terrain of the Borgu Games Reserve and neighbouring hills.

“Our Priests Are Leaving” – Catholic Diocese

Confirming the fears of the local population, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Revd. Father Matthew Kabirat disclosed that both clergy and parishioners were relocating for safety.

“As I am talking to you, our parishioners and priests are leaving for fear of possible attacks. The security personnel that came after the incident cannot be found; there are no signs of help for the people,” he said.

“These terrorists are having a field day and our people are moving from that axis for fear of either being killed or kidnapped. Those who lost their lives and those kidnapped are both Christians and Muslims, including a number of women and children,” he added.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Abuka, described the ongoing trauma faced by villagers, especially those who had only recently returned from captivity.

“Between Sunday, December 28, 2025, and Saturday, January 3, 2026, the bandits have been roaming freely without challenge by security forces. The Papiri school children who were recently released from captivity, including my daughter, have been further traumatized. We are forced to hide in the bush with our families whenever there are reports that the terrorists are nearby,” he said.

Abuka added that families were now relocating to distant towns in search of safety, abandoning homes and farmlands built over generations.