The number of people killed in an armed assault on a market in Nigeria’s Niger state has climbed to 50, local sources report.
The attack occurred on Saturday when gunmen stormed the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, opening fire on residents, abducting several individuals, and looting food supplies. Victims were later buried in a mass funeral, while those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence, vowing that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. In a statement released Sunday, he said security forces have been ordered to track down the attackers and rescue those taken hostage.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” the president said. He also directed authorities to strengthen security operations around vulnerable communities.
Local residents said the attackers had been seen in the area for about a week before the assault. The market attack is believed to be part of a broader wave of raids that began on Friday in nearby towns, including Agwarra and Borgu. Residents reported an absence of visible security presence since the violence started.
Kasuwan Daji is located near the Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November.
Bandit attacks and mass kidnappings continue to increase across northwestern and central Nigeria, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by security forces in containing the violence.
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