Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has expressed profound grief and condemnation following a devastating terrorist assault on communities within the Borgu Local Government Area. The violent incident, which targeted the bustling Kasuwan Daji market in Sukumbara Village, resulted in significant loss of life and widespread fear.
Details of the Saturday Market Massacre
The attack occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, shattering the peace of the local market day. According to official reports, at least 30 persons were killed by the terrorists during the onslaught. In a further act of cruelty, the assailants abducted a yet-to-be-ascertained number of residents, with women and children notably among the kidnapped.
Governor Bago, communicating through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the attack as both cruel and nefarious. He highlighted the triple tragedy of the event: the loss of many lives, the kidnapping of several individuals, and the wanton destruction of people's livelihoods.
Victims Cut Across Religious and Community Lines
A poignant detail from the governor's statement underscores the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The victims were both Muslims and Christians drawn from different communities within the Borgu local government area. This fact reinforces the attack as an assault on shared humanity and communal cohesion, rather than a sectarian conflict.
Labeling the timing of the attack as particularly distressing, the farmer governor noted it is disturbing and worrying to start the year with such unfortunate incidents. He urged the people of the affected communities to remain steadfast in their faith and resilience during this trying period.
Government Response and Security Pursuit
In response to the atrocity, Governor Bago assured the public that his administration is not standing idle. He revealed that the state government is actively collaborating with the federal government and security agencies to enhance security measures in the affected areas and across the state.
A joint security team is already trailing the terrorists with the primary objective of locating and rescuing the kidnapped victims. The governor ended his message with prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed, the safe rescue of the abducted, healing for the injured, and the restoration of destroyed livelihoods.
The attack on Kasuwan Daji market has once again brought the issue of rural security to the forefront in Niger State, prompting calls for more decisive and effective protective measures for vulnerable communities.
