Suspected bandits have killed more than 30 people and abducted several others, including children, following fresh attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State.

The attacks occurred on Saturday evening in Kasuwan Daji near Papiri and Kaima village.

Sources within the affected communities said no fewer than 37 residents were killed in Kasuwan Daji, while five others lost their lives in Kaima village. Many villagers, including women and children, were reportedly abducted during the attacks.

Confirming the incident, the Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, said the death toll could be as high as 40.

He disclosed that a parish priest narrowly escaped abduction when the attackers invaded the Mission House. He added that church facilities were vandalised, two motorcycles were taken away, and several villagers were kidnapped.

The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the attack. Its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said suspected bandits emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District and stormed Kasuwan Daji at about 4:30 p.m., killing over 30 people, setting the market ablaze, looting shops, and carting away food items.

According to him, a distress call was received at about 9 p.m., prompting the deployment of joint security teams to the affected areas. He noted that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and restore peace in the communities.

The latest attacks come barely a month after more than 300 pupils, students, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri were abducted and later released after weeks in captivity.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as investigations into the attacks continue.