Fear has gripped several communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State as residents flee their homes following renewed threats by terrorists after a deadly weekend attack that killed more than 40 people.
Residents said the attackers warned that the violence would continue, forcing families to abandon their villages across border communities linking Agwara, Borgu and parts of Kebbi State. Locals also claimed that security personnel deployed after the incident later pulled out, leaving the areas exposed.
Affected communities include Kwana in Agwara LGA and Tungan Salama near Papiri in Borgu LGA, where villagers said intelligence reports indicated plans for another assault.
The worst-hit area was Kasuwan Daji, a border settlement between Agwara and Borgu LGAs. The attackers reportedly stormed the village during market activities, tied up victims and killed 42 men before burning homes and market stalls.
A community source appealed to the Federal and Niger State governments to urgently reinforce security, warning that continued absence of military presence could lead to more deaths and large scale displacement.
The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev Fr Matthew Kabirat, confirmed that residents, including priests and parishioners, were relocating due to fear of fresh attacks.
He said the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles on December 28, 2025, killed residents, abducted women and children and moved through several villages in Niger and Kebbi states, destroying homes, churches and a police station.
Another resident, Abuka, said families in Papiri, Kwana and Tungan Salama were living in constant fear, adding that many had fled, abandoning their homes and livelihoods.
