In brief
Last Friday, armed gunmen attacked four villages in Niger State, killing at least 40 people and abducting up to 500 residents. The president ordered a nationwide manhunt following a social‑media video that showed many of the kidnapped villagers. Police suspect criminal bandits, but concerns are growing about jihadist influence along the border. Some survivors were hospitalized and families partially tracked their abducted kin, while others fled to neighboring states or across into Benin. Tinubu condemned the killings and vowed “justice for those responsible.”
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a nationwide manhunt after a video showing kidnapped villagers from Niger State was posted online, prompting an urgent security response.
On Friday, armed attackers struck four remote villages—Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka—simultaneously during prayers. Local witnesses report that as many as 500 people may have been taken, though the official death toll remains unconfirmed and could be over 40.
The attackers, believed to be criminal bandits, have drawn residents into a forest corridor, where improvised explosive devices were reportedly set up. A teenage boy was killed when an explosion detonated as he tried to escape.
In a statement, President Tinubu condemned the “cowardly attack” and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
While police and security forces raid the area, many trapped villagers have been spotted in the video, allowing families to confirm they are still alive. Others have fled to neighbouring states and even crossed into Benin. Survivors are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries.
Experts warn that the incident further illustrates the growing threat of jihadist influence in the northwest and along the border region of Niger State.
