Gunmen raid village in Nigeria, killing over 30 people and abducting others

Gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji village in Niger state's Borgu local government area on January 3, 2026, killing at least 30 villagers and abducting several others. The attackers stormed the village in the evening, opened fire on residents, and destroyed the local market and numerous houses. Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack but residents reported a higher death toll of 37, with fears it could be even higher as people remain missing. Security forces were reportedly deployed, though residents claimed they had not yet arrived. The attack occurred near Papiri community, where over 300 schoolchildren were kidnapped from a Catholic school in November 2025. The attackers approached from National Park Forest along Kabe district, highlighting how abandoned forest reserves serve as hideouts for armed gangs in Nigeria's conflict-hit regions.