By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s top security officials to immediately track down and apprehend those responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State, which claimed about 42 lives and left scores abducted.
Those directed to lead the operation include the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The President ordered that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay and also mandated security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims.
Details of the Attack Emerge
Further details indicate that the assailants, suspected to be terrorists operating from the National Park Forest along the Kabe axis, invaded Kasuwan Daji market in the Demo area of Agwara Local Government Area on Saturday afternoon while trading activities were ongoing.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the market in a coordinated, commando-style operation, firing indiscriminately, killing mostly women traders, looting food items and setting shops ablaze. The assault reportedly continued into the early hours of Sunday, with surrounding villages also targeted.
Local sources disclosed that after killing about 30 people at Kasuwan Daji market, the attackers proceeded towards Kwashies along Babanna Road, where at least 12 more persons were reportedly killed while the assailants retreated toward the Kainji National Park forest.
Although police authorities confirmed 30 fatalities, residents of communities bordering Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas insist the death toll is higher. It remains unclear whether some of those killed were among those abducted or villagers who attempted to resist the attackers.
The affected area is located a few kilometres from Papiri, where 230 pupils and staff of St. Mary Catholic School were abducted in November last year, raising fresh concerns over persistent insecurity in the axis.
Police Confirm Incident
Confirming the attack, the Niger State Police Command said suspected bandits invaded the market at about 4:30 pm on Saturday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the assailants burnt the market, looted shops and carted away food items.
“A joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 people lost their lives, while several others were kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and stabilise the area,” he said.
President Condemns Attack, Assures Justice
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu strongly condemned the killings and abductions, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our nation. They must face the full weight of the law. No matter who they are or where they hide, they will be hunted down,” the President said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the people and government of Niger State, assuring that security operations would be intensified, particularly around forested areas used as criminal hideouts.
The President also urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric that could undermine national cohesion during the period.
Niger Governor, Governors’ Forums React
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the attack as cruel and devastating, extending condolences to affected families and communities. He assured residents that joint security forces were actively trailing the attackers with the aim of rescuing abducted persons.
Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum condemned the killings, describing the attack on traders and market women as a grave assault on peace and livelihoods. The forum called for intensified security operations and justice for the victims.
The forum also expressed sympathy over a separate boat mishap in Yobe State, where at least 25 passengers died and others remain missing.
From the South, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, also condemned the Niger attack, describing it as a crime against humanity. He called on security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
The governor urged the Niger State Government not to relent in its efforts to protect lives and property, while offering prayers for the repose of the victims’ souls and strength for their families.
