Armed Attackers Kill Over 30 in Deadly Raid on Nigerian Market
MINNA, Nigeria — More than 30 people were killed and several others kidnapped during a violent raid on the Daji market in Nigeria’s Niger State, authorities confirmed Sunday. The attack, carried out by armed gunmen on motorcycles, occurred late Saturday afternoon, leaving the rural community reeling and raising fresh concerns about security in central Nigeria.
According to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, the assailants stormed the market around 4:30 p.m., setting fire to stalls and seizing food supplies before opening fire on vendors and shoppers. “Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, and some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims,” Abiodun said.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the gunmen rode into the market area in Demo village, firing indiscriminately and targeting even women and children. Dauda Shakulle, who was wounded while fleeing, told Reuters that security forces had been notably absent during the assault. “There has been no presence of security forces since the attacks began. We are currently recovering corpses,” Shakulle said.
The raid follows a series of violent attacks in neighboring villages, including Agwarra and Borgu, which began earlier last week. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces from armed groups operating with impunity in rural areas.
This latest massacre comes amid a disturbing wave of kidnappings and violent raids across Nigeria. In November, 25 girls were abducted from a boarding school in Kebbi State, and more than 300 children and a dozen teachers were seized from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Niger State. Fortunately, all those abducted from St. Mary’s were later released safely, according to the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), a Catholic congregation involved in the rescue efforts.
“From the first hours of the abduction, the OLA family—together with the local Church in the Diocese of Kontagora, the families of Papiri, and communities across Nigeria—was upheld by a remarkable global solidarity of prayer and advocacy,” said Sister Mary Barron, leader of the OLA Sisters. “We extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to all who stood with us during this painful time.”
The Nigerian Police Force has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the Daji market attack. However, the incident has reignited calls from lawmakers and security analysts for more robust government action to protect vulnerable communities and curb the rise in mass kidnappings and violent raids.
For more information on Nigeria’s security challenges and government responses, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism and the Interpol’s violent crime resources. The United Nations Security Council continues to monitor the situation closely, urging international cooperation to address the root causes of instability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with these ongoing security threats, the international community watches closely, hoping for swift action to prevent further loss of life and restore peace to affected communities.
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