As though unfazed by United States bombardment of terrorist’s camps in Sokoto in December 2025, armed bandits stormed Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least thirty people, burnt stalls, looted foodstuffs, and even abducted some residents.

The attack, which began around 4:30 p.m., stretched into the early hours of Sunday. Witnesses described scenes of horror as traders and shoppers were tied up and executed.

Another online news publisher, Daily Trust said it contacted some residents who spoke to them by telephone confirming the attackers operated without resistance.

“They came from the forest, tied more than fifty people, and killed them in cold blood,” he recounted. “They moved freely, looted everything, and set the market on fire.”

Another trader, who narrowly escaped, said: “We saw them carrying away bags of rice, maize, and other goods. They told us we would never trade here again unless we obeyed them. Many of my friends did not survive.”

Police Confirmation

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun.

“On 03/01/2026 at about 9 p.m., information received revealed that at about 4:30 p.m. of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan-Daji, located at Demo Village via Kabe, and burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items,” Abiodun said.

He added: “On 04/01/2026 at about 8 a.m., a report indicated that a joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack. Some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims. Further developments will be communicated.”

Local leaders condemned the violence, describing it as a devastating blow to the community. One elder remarked: “This market was our lifeline. Now it is ashes. We are burying our people instead of celebrating the New Year.”

The Kasuwan Daji market, once a hub of trade and livelihood, now lies in ruins, its destruction underscoring the scale of insecurity facing rural communities in Niger State and beyond.

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