By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today: No fewer than 30 persons, including women, were killed on Saturday when suspected bandits attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attackers also looted foodstuffs and other valuables worth millions of naira before setting the popular market ablaze.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community around 4:00 pm on Saturday and operated for several hours, continuing their assault into the early hours of Sunday.
An unspecified number of residents were reportedly kidnapped during the attack, further worsening fears in the area.
A local resident who spoke to The Bureau News on the telephone alleged that more than 50 people were tied and killed by the attackers, who operated without any resistance.
The attackers were said to have emerged from the National Park forest in Borgu Local Government Area and launched the assault in broad daylight.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said over 30 people lost their lives while several others were abducted.
“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,” the police spokesperson stated.
The Bureau News reports that the attack has heightened concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Niger State, particularly communities located near forest reserves.