By Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers by suspected bandits in communities within Borgu Local Government Area of the State.
The incident, according to security sources and eyewitnesses, occurred on Friday shortly after the conclusion of the weekly Juma’at prayers at the Central Mosque in Dekara community.
The victims were reportedly abducted from Gidan Zana, Masaka, Sabon Gida and other neighbouring communities in the area.
Among those reportedly taken away by the armed assailants is the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara, according to local sources.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said security agencies had mobilised personnel for a rescue operation.
Abiodun said no death had been recorded in connection with the incident, while efforts were ongoing to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
He, however, disclosed that difficult terrain and poor road conditions were hampering the movement of security personnel responding to the incident.
According to him, a collapsed bridge linking the affected communities with the Borgu Local Government headquarters had further slowed down the deployment of security forces and the rescue operation.
The police spokesman said security agencies were working to overcome the logistical challenges and intensify the search for the abducted worshippers.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Borgu, where remote communities are increasingly vulnerable to attacks and abductions by armed criminal groups.
Security sources said troops and other security personnel were expected to sustain search operations across the surrounding forests and possible escape routes used by the attackers.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in rescuing the victims and tracking down the perpetrators.
