Death Toll in Niger Terrorists Attack Now Over 60
By Abubakar Akote, Minna
The death toll in the terrorists attack on Kasuwan Daji Market, Borgu LGA of Niger State has been put at over 60 by residents.
The victims were slaughtered by the terrorists who attacked the market at about 5pm on Saturday, kidnapped many, stole food items and set the market and the village ablaze.
A resident said that the terrorists moved into the community after attacking the market, locking some residents inside their rooms and setting the buildings on fire.
Residents and neighbours were still recovering bodies after burying 43 in mass graves on Sunday. The attackers slaughtered not less than 30 people while others were shot.
While some residents estimated the death toll at about 60, others said it could be higher, as many victims fled with gunshot wounds.
Mr. Marcus Philips Adoka, a resident, said, “Victims were first assembled and slaughtered like goats and chickens. We have counted 42 dead bodies so far, including the remains of the reverend father of the community.”
Another resident said, “They killed 37 people in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri, another five in Kaima village, and abducted many, including children, some of whom are pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School recently rescued.”
The Niger State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Obed Nuhu Nana, in a statement, said the terrorists also attacked a police outpost in Shafacci village and a Catholic school in Sukumbara village, carting away two motorcycles and destroying school property.
He said the Government of Niger State was saddened by the tragedy and was working closely with federal authorities to prevent further attacks, while urging residents to remain vigilant.
The Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, saida joint security team has been deployed to the area to restore peace and rescue the abducted victims.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of Defence, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack.
The president, who is holidaying in France, issued the directive in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
He directed the security chiefs to ensure the terrorists “are swiftly brought to justice” and the abducted victims rescued.
Also, the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) has condemned the attack, describing it as callous.
A statement issued by the forum’s Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the attack and killings were morally reprehensible and struck at the core of communal harmony and regional economic life, and called on security agencies to apprehend the criminals and ensure justice for the victims.
