In a devastating escalation of violence in north-central Nigeria, at least 30 villagers were killed and scores more abducted when armed gangs, locally known as “bandits,” stormed the village of Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State. The attack, which took place on the evening of Saturday, January 3, 2026, has once again exposed the precarious security situation in the region, occurring just kilometers from where a mass kidnapping of schoolchildren took place late last year.
State police confirmed that the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on residents before razing the local market and several homes to the ground. While the official death toll stands at 30, local residents and religious leaders fear the final number could exceed 40, as many individuals remain missing.
The Anatomy of the Attack
The raid began around 4:30 PM, with attackers reportedly arriving on motorcycles from the direction of the National Park Forest along the Kabe district.
- Targeted Destruction: The gunmen systematically burned down the village market and looted shops for food and supplies.
- Brutality Reported: Eyewitness accounts and footage obtained by news agencies suggest some victims were bound before being executed.
- Kidnappings: Among those abducted were several children, according to Father Stephen Kabirat of the Catholic Church of Kontagora Diocese.
A Pattern of Conflict
The village of Kasuwan-Daji is located less than 20 kilometers from Papiri, the site where over 250 students were snatched from a Catholic school in November 2025. Authorities note that abandoned forest reserves in the region have become permanent hideouts for these rogue gangs.
| Key Statistics | Current Status (Jan 4, 2026) |
| Confirmed Dead | 30 (Police) / 37-40+ (Local reports) |
| Primary Location | Kasuwan-Daji, Borgu LGA, Niger State |
| Time of Raid | Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 (Approx. 3 hours) |
| Suspected Origin | National Park Forest, Kabe District |
Presidential Condemnation and Security Gaps
President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern condemnation of the raid, describing the attackers as terrorists who have “tested the resolve” of the nation. He has directed security forces to hunt down the perpetrators and rescue those held captive.
However, survivors have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of protection. Despite police claims that officers have been deployed, local residents stated on Sunday that security forces had yet to arrive in the area, leaving them too afraid to even recover the bodies of the deceased.
“The bodies are there. If we don’t see any security, how can we go there?” — Anonymous Resident
The Road Ahead
The raid highlights the immense strain on Nigeria’s security apparatus, which is currently battling a multi-front crisis involving jihadist insurgencies in the northeast, farmer-herder clashes, and a rampant “kidnap-for-ransom” industry in the northwest and north-central regions. For the residents of Niger State, the 2026 New Year has begun not with celebration, but with the familiar toll of bells for the dead.
Police Officer Picture, Credit rawpixel
