Gunmen have invaded several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after Friday prayers.

The attacks occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, according to residents and the federal lawmaker representing the area, Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu.

Shetiman Borgu said the exact number of people abducted had yet to be established, adding that some worshippers were attacked with machetes while others escaped with injuries.

He said the attackers entered Dekara after Friday prayers, surrounded a mosque and abducted worshippers before moving into neighbouring communities.

Youths and heads of households were reportedly among those taken into the forest.

The lawmaker said the attacks had heightened concerns over insecurity in the area, which borders Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.

He said forests in the area had become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.

According to him, some members of the groups reportedly opposed the invasion of mosques and abduction of worshippers, leading to clashes between the factions.

He added that authorities suspected the abductors might have targeted youths for recruitment, although it remained unclear whether the attackers belonged to Lakurawa or Mamudawa.

The latest attacks come a week after more than 20 people were reportedly killed in parts of Borgu Local Government Area.

The area was also the scene of a major abduction in November 2025, when more than 200 pupils were reportedly kidnapped in Papiri before their eventual release after about a month in captivity.

The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect communities in the area.