The Niger State Government yesterday appealed for calm as residents of several communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas fled their homes following fresh threats reportedly issued by terrorists after last Saturday’s deadly attack that claimed more than 40 lives.
Affected villagers said fear has gripped border communities linking Agwara, Borgu and parts of Kebbi State after the assailants allegedly warned that the killings would continue.
The threat, they said, has triggered mass displacement, with families abandoning their homes for safer locations.
Residents also alleged that soldiers initially deployed to the area pulled out shortly after arrival, leaving the communities without a visible security presence.
Villagers from Kwana, the last settlement in Agwara LGA, and Tungan Salama near Papiri in Borgu LGA, said intelligence reaching them pointed to another imminent attack.
They said many residents had chosen to flee rather than wait for another onslaught.
Kasuwan Daji, a border town between Agwara and Borgu LGAs, was the epicentre of the weekend massacre.
The community, popular for its weekly Wednesday market, was reportedly overrun by armed men who allegedly tied up their victims, killed no fewer than 42 men and set houses and market stalls ablaze.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity, urged the Federal and Niger State governments to urgently deploy a strong and sustained military force to the area.
He warned that without adequate security, the killings could persist, leading to mass casualties and permanent displacement.
He added that there was an urgent need for a well-equipped task force to dismantle terrorist hideouts, particularly those believed to be within the Kainji Game Reserve.
Confirming the growing tension, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kabirat, said parishioners and priests were relocating out of fear of renewed attacks.
According to him, the absence of security personnel after the incident has left residents vulnerable, forcing them to flee to avoid being killed or kidnapped.
Kabirat said the attackers struck on December 28, 2025, arriving in large numbers on motorcycles and unleashing violence on several communities.
“The victims included both Christians and Muslims. Many women and children were also taken away, while homes and other structures were set on fire.
The scale of destruction was such that smoke was visible from several kilometres away,” he said.
He added that the assailants allegedly moved through several villages after emerging from the Borgu axis of the Kainji Game Reserve, crossing into parts of Kebbi State where more lives were lost and properties destroyed.
Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
However, the Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, confirmed the attacks and called on residents to remain calm, assuring that the government was responding to the situation.
He said the terrorists had attacked communities across Rijau and Agwara LGAs, killing several residents.
He also confirmed assaults on a police outpost in Shafacci village and a Catholic missionary school in Sukumbara, where property was destroyed, though no casualties were recorded.
Nana assured that security agencies were being mobilised to restore order and protect affected communities.