World News
Dozens abducted from mosque and villages in Nigeria's Niger state
Armed groups launched raids across Borgu Local Government Area, abducting worshippers and villagers, local officials and residents say.
The short version
- Gunmen raided several villages and a mosque in Nigeria's north-central Niger state during Friday prayers, abducting dozens of people.
- Local officials and community leaders estimate between 60 and 80 individuals were taken, while police confirmed the incident but offered no official hostage count.
- Nigeria's military has deployed forces to the area as searches continue, and no group has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Key facts
- Assailants raided multiple villages and surrounded a Juma'at mosque in Kpenya village, Borgu Local Government Area, kidnapping worshippers during prayers on Friday.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Borgu area council chairman Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir reported that at least 60 individuals were abducted and several people suffered gunshot wounds while fleeing.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun stated that no fatalities were recorded during the attacks and that military forces were deployed to the region.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Local youth leader Zubairu Umar Talba stated that around 80 people were taken, including his 85-year-old father, as many residents fled.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The precise number of kidnapped victims remains unconfirmed by police, with community estimates ranging from 60 to 80 people.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown, as no armed group has claimed responsibility for the raids.[ABC News · Associated Press]