Residents of Borgu in Niger State have protested over the continued captivity of hundreds of people who were abducted during an attack on several communities last month.
The protesters, mainly from Dekara and neighbouring communities, gathered at the local government headquarters in New Bussa on Monday, September 21, demanding the release of those still being held by kidnappers.
According to residents, armed men abducted about 600 people during attacks on August 21. The victims were reportedly mostly women, children and elderly people. However, authorities have not confirmed the exact number of people abducted.
The Borgu district is located about 300 kilometres from Minna, the Niger State capital, and shares a border with the Republic of Benin.
The protesters said the continued insecurity has affected everyday life in the area. They said residents now face difficulties accessing markets and healthcare because of fear of further attacks.
Some businesses were also reportedly closed on Monday despite it being a market day, as residents joined the protest and called on the authorities to take stronger action.
Residents Give Higher Estimate
While residents initially said about 600 people were abducted, community leaders now estimate that the number of people still in captivity could be close to 700.
Abdullahi Yahaya Sadauki, president of the Borgu Youths Development Association, said a proper headcount should be carried out in the affected communities to establish the actual number of missing people.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the estimate of nearly 700 people in captivity.
The kidnapping followed attacks on communities in the area on August 21. Earlier reports said an armed group had attacked worshippers at a mosque in Dekara during Friday prayers and abducted people.
A video that emerged days after the attack appeared to show hundreds of people in captivity. Residents who viewed the footage said they recognised relatives, including women, children and elderly people. Reuters could not independently verify the exact location or date of the video.
Government Orders Rescue Operation
President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate rescue operation after the August attacks.
Niger State Commissioner for Information Obed Nuhu Nana told Reuters that security agencies had been mobilised, although the abducted people had not yet been found.
“Security agencies have been mobilised,” Nana said, adding that the government was making efforts to rescue the victims.
The continuing captivity has increased pressure on authorities to address insecurity in the area.
Residents are now calling for more effective security measures and the safe return of those who remain missing.
The protest also highlights the wider security challenges facing communities in north-central Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have continued to affect residents, businesses and access to essential services.
For the families of those abducted, the main demand remains the same: the safe release and return of their loved ones.
