RismadarVoice Reporters, August 22, 2026
Gunmen have reportedly invaded several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after Friday prayers.
The attacks reportedly occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, according to residents and the federal lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu.
Shetiman Borgu, who confirmed the incident, said the exact number of people abducted had yet to be established.
He said some worshippers were attacked with machetes, while others managed to escape with injuries.
According to the lawmaker, the attackers invaded Dekara shortly after Friday prayers, surrounded a mosque and took some worshippers into the forest.
He said the gunmen subsequently moved to neighbouring communities, where they reportedly abducted more people after Friday prayers.
Youths and heads of households were said to be among those taken away.
The latest attacks have heightened concerns about insecurity in Borgu, which borders Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.
Shetiman Borgu said forests in the area had become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.
He added that the two groups reportedly clashed following the attacks, after some members allegedly opposed the invasion of mosques and abduction of worshippers.
The lawmaker said authorities were investigating the possibility that the attackers targeted young people for recruitment, although it remained unclear whether those responsible belonged to Lakurawa or Mamudawa.
The reports come amid growing concerns over the activities of suspected armed groups in parts of Niger State.
Last week, more than 20 people were reportedly killed in parts of Borgu Local Government Area.
The area was also the scene of a major abduction in November 2025, when more than 200 pupils were reportedly kidnapped in Papiri before they were later released after spending about a month in captivity.
