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January 11, 2026 l Reporter: Johnson
BORGU, Niger State — Residents of Kasuwan Daji and surrounding villages in the Borgu Local Government Area have expressed fear and alarm after suspected armed bandits were sighted moving through their communities just days following a devastating market massacre that left scores dead, local sources tell Dalena Reporters.
The concerns come on the heels of a massacre at the Kasuwan Daji market earlier this month when gunmen on motorcycles reportedly fired indiscriminately, killed dozens of villagers and abducted many others, burning market stalls and looting food items in the attack that drew sharp condemnation from local leaders and the state governor. Residents have disputed official casualty figures, with community leaders claiming between 42 and 60 people were killed in that incident.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, a large group of armed men believed to be terrorists were seen moving around the Kasuwan Daji area and entering neighbouring settlements, including via the Agwara and Woko districts, this past Sunday. Villagers say the movements have fuelled fresh fear of another attack and prompted urgent appeals for security intervention.
“Please, we just saw a large number of bandits passing again at Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local and Agwara Local Government. We are living in fear now; please, help us inform security agencies to be on alert,” one resident told Dalena Reporters, describing widespread panic among households.
Another local source said the suspected bandits were entering through Agwara and may be settling near forested areas close to communities, heightening anxiety that another violent raid could follow. “These movements have been ongoing since Sunday afternoon … People are afraid because they may be settling around forests close to our communities,” the person added.
The recent sightings occur against a backdrop of renewed bandit attacks in parts of Niger State, including a separate raid in Damala village in the Woko district, where suspected bandits killed at least four residents and rustled cattle during a nighttime assault. Police confirmed security operations are underway to address that incident and strengthen monitoring of the area.
The unfolding situation has sparked urgent calls from residents for intensified patrols and a stronger security presence to protect lives and property, even as state authorities continue efforts to respond to the persistent threat posed by armed bandit groups across the region.