President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for armed kidnappers who launched deadly attacks on four villages in a remote part of Niger state last Friday.
Terrorists had abducted dozens of worshippers from four mosques during last Friday’s Juma’at prayer in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Local residents say about 600 women, children and elderly people are missing after Friday’s attacks.
An armed group posted a video on Monday showing what residents said were women, children and older people abducted.
The footage, posted on Facebook and WhatsApp, showed large groups of people seated in a forested area surrounded by armed men. Several children could be heard crying in the background.
The president’s orders came after the kidnappers posted the video on social media.
No ransom demands have been reported.
The gunmen, reportedly dressed in military-style clothing, attacked the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that more than 40 people were killed, but the exact number of deaths had not been confirmed.
Looking at the footage released on social media, the local youth leader, who asked not to be named, said he recognised several individuals from his community.
“I was able to identify many people. There is an elderly man in the video who is like a grandfather to us,” he said. “He lives in Gidan Zana village.”
He said families who had spotted relatives in the video were relieved to know they were still alive.
“At least they know where their loved ones are and hope they may be rescued, unlike those who still have no information about missing relatives,” he added.
A local blogger familiar with the area disclosed that many residents had fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighbouring states or across the border in Benin Republic.
Some survivors are receiving hospital treatment, including people with serious injuries.
A local official also said that the attackers planted improvised explosive devices in parts of the affected communities as they led abductees into the forest. He said a teenage boy was killed when an explosive detonated as he tried to escape.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the killings and abductions and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” the statement said.
The president also expressed his condolences to the families of those killed.
The attack is the latest sign of worsening insecurity in the Borgu area, which borders Kebbi and Kwara states as well as neighbouring Benin.
Earlier this month, police said 145 people had been rescued after being abducted from four other villages in the area.
Local officials have also raised concerns about the growing presence of jihadist groups operating in parts of north-western Nigeria and along the border region, saying some fighters have recently entered communities and imposed religious restrictions on residents.
