Gunmen have reportedly attacked several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unknown number of worshippers shortly after Friday prayers.
Residents and Hon. Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu, the federal lawmaker representing the area, said the attacks happened in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka.
Speaking to the BBC, Shetiman Borgu said the number of abducted persons was still unknown.
He said the gunmen attacked some worshippers with machetes, while others escaped with injuries.
“Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds,” he was quoted as saying.
According to him, the attackers entered Dekara after prayers, surrounded a mosque and took worshippers into the forest. They later moved to nearby communities and abducted more people after Friday prayers.
The lawmaker said youths and heads of households were among those taken.
He said forests in the area had become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.
Shetiman Borgu also said the two groups reportedly clashed after some members opposed the attacks on mosques and abduction of worshippers.
He added that authorities suspected the abductors may have targeted youths for recruitment, but it remained unclear whether they belonged to Lakurawa or Mamudawa.
Recent reports have linked suspected Lakurawa fighters to parts of Niger State, where they allegedly preach against stealing, alcohol and adultery while urging residents to follow Sharia principles.
The latest attacks have added to security concerns in the state. Last week, more than 20 people were reportedly killed in parts of Borgu.
In November 2025, gunmen also abducted more than 200 pupils in Papiri. They were released after about a month in captivity.
