Village head, 90-year-old man among worshippers abducted in Niger
Ka’aba Village Head Among Worshippers Abducted During Friday Prayers in Niger State
BORGOU, Niger State — The Village Head of Ka’aba and the elderly father of the District Head of Dekara were among a group of Muslim worshippers abducted during Friday prayers at a mosque in Kpenya village, Gidan-Zana, within Dekara District.
The incident occurred while congregants were observing their prayers, prompting widespread concern in the local community. Sources indicated that the attackers specifically targeted older individuals, allegedly accusing them of urging the government to establish military bases in the region to counter rising terrorist activities.
The frustrations stemming from these elders’ calls for military intervention reportedly incited the terrorists, leading to the abduction of several worshippers, predominantly aged 50 and older.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attack involved suspected members of three terrorist groups active in the region: Mamuda, Lakurawa, and Boko Haram. Reports indicate that a significant number of Lakurawa fighters led the assault, surrounding worshippers as prayers concluded and taking them captive in groups to Kainji Game Reserve, an area believed to be a stronghold for the militants.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack but stated it has not yet been able to determine the precise number of individuals taken. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun explained that at approximately 2 p.m., the assailants invaded the mosque and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.
“The command has initiated efforts to identify the victims and ascertain their exact number,” Abiodun said, adding that security personnel are also actively pursuing the attackers in an effort to rescue those who were abducted.
