Sun Jan 04 19:42:26 UTC 2026: Summary:

Gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji village in Niger state, northern Nigeria, on January 3, 2026, killing at least 30 villagers, razing the local market and homes. Some locals put the death toll higher and reported several missing. The attack happened near where schoolchildren were abducted in November. President Tinubu condemned the attack and ordered security forces to hunt down the perpetrators and rescue any hostages. Residents report the gunmen were in the area for about a week, and security forces had not arrived to retrieve the bodies. Such attacks are common in the region due to the presence of armed gangs in remote communities.

News Article:

Dozens Killed in Gunmen Attack on Nigerian Village

Minna, Nigeria – January 5, 2026 – At least 30 villagers were killed and several others are missing after gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji village in Niger state, northern Nigeria, on Saturday evening. According to police reports, the assailants opened fire on residents, destroying homes and the local market in the Borgu local government area.

Local sources claim the death toll could be as high as 37, with some residents still unaccounted for. Residents also stated that security forces had yet to arrive at the scene.

The attack drew immediate condemnation from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He has ordered security forces to pursue the gunmen and ensure the safe return of any hostages. “These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people,” Mr. Tinubu said in a statement.

A resident reported the gunmen had been lurking around nearby communities for about a week before the attack. “The bodies are there (in Kasuwan-Daji village). If we don’t see any security, how can we go there?” he said. The attack lasted for up to three hours.

The assault occurred in close proximity to the Papiri community, where over 300 schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November, highlighting the escalating security crisis in the region. Police investigations suggest the attackers came from the National Park Forest along Kabe district, an area where expansive forests are often used as hideouts for armed gangs.

The attack underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain security in northern Nigeria, where criminal gangs frequently target vulnerable communities with limited protection.

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