Gunmen Invade Mosque, Kidnap Worshippers 

Gunmen on Friday invaded several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after prayers.

Naija News reports that the attacks happened in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, where the gunmen moved into areas around mosques and kidnapped several residents.

The lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu, confirmed the incident and said the actual number of people abducted was yet to be established.

According to Vanguard, the worshippers were reportedly attacked with machetes during the invasion.

Some managed to escape from the attackers, while others sustained injuries as they fled.

After leaving Dekara, the gunmen reportedly moved into neighbouring communities, where they carried out more abductions after worshippers had completed their prayers.

Youths and heads of households were reportedly among those taken away by the attackers.

The incident has caused fresh fear among residents of Borgu, which shares borders with Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.

The lawmaker said forests in the area were being used as hideouts by suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.

“Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds. The attackers entered the mosque after Friday prayers, surrounded the mosque and took worshippers into the forest. They later moved into neighbouring communities and abducted more people after Friday prayers. The people taken away included youths and heads of households. The forests in the area have become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups”, he said.