Gunmen have 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, where the assailants moved into areas around mosques and allegedly took several residents away. The lawmaker representing Borgu, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu, confirmed the incident, saying the exact number of people abducted had yet to be established.

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According to reports, some of the worshippers were attacked with machetes, while others sustained injuries as they attempted to escape. After attacking residents in Dekara, the gunmen reportedly moved into neighbouring communities and carried out further abductions. Youths and heads of households were said to be among those taken into the surrounding forests.

The incident has heightened fear among residents of the area, which shares borders with Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin. Shetiman Borgu alleged that forests in the area had become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.

“Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds. The attackers entered the mosque after Friday prayers, surrounded the mosque and took worshippers into the forest. They later moved into neighbouring communities and abducted more people after Friday prayers,” the lawmaker said.

He added that the situation required urgent security intervention to prevent further attacks and protect communities in the border area.