- Armed terrorists stormed the Central Mosque in Dekara town, Borgu LGA, Niger State while Friday prayers were underway
- A resident told reporters that more than 60 worshippers were taken from the mosque and led into the forest by the gunmen
- Niger State Police Command spokesperson said he would verify the incident but had not responded before this report was filed
Armed terrorists have abducted more than 60 worshippers from the Central Mosque in Dekara town, located in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, during Friday’s Jumu’at prayer.
A resident of the area, speaking anonymously by telephone, told a correspondent that the attack was one of several security incidents that hit Borgu LGA on Friday, August 21.
Source: Getty Images
According to the resident, gunmen struck three communities in the local government area, with Dekara among them, Leadership reported.
“So many things have happened in Borgu LGA today. Terrorists attacked three communities, including Dekara. In Dekara, they went to the Central Mosque while Jumu’at prayer was ongoing and kidnapped more than 60 people. But they did not injure anybody,” the resident said.
How the attack unfolded
Sources said a large number of terrorists opened fire indiscriminately before rounding up some of the worshippers inside the mosque. The gunmen then marched their captives out of the town and into the surrounding forest, Daily Trust reported.
The exact number of those taken has not been confirmed by any official authority.
No casualties from gunfire have been reported at this time.
Police yet to confirm abductions
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, was contacted for an official response but said he needed to verify the information before commenting.
Source: Getty Images
He had not reverted with any statement by the time this report was filed.
Borgu LGA has previously recorded incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks, with communities in the area remaining vulnerable to incursions by gunmen operating from forested areas along the Niger State border.
Terrorists storm churches
Previously, Legit.ng reported that terrorists launched a deadly assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state, targeting two Christian churches during Easter celebrations.
The attack left at least seven people dead and resulted in the abduction of several others, causing widespread fear among residents.
Source: Legit.ng