Niger: Minister urges unity, resilient Borgu to defeat terrorism, banditry

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (CON), has called on residents of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State to unite and remain resilient in the face of renewed terrorist and bandit attacks that have claimed dozens of lives.

In a statement signed by the Senator on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the lawmaker condemned the recent violent attacks on rural communities in Kasuwan Daji, describing them as senseless, deliberate, and deeply disturbing.

The attacks, which occurred barely three days into the New Year, reportedly left at least 42 people dead, including women, children and the elderly, while several others sustained injuries. Homes were also razed, and an unspecified number of residents were abducted.

Abdullahi said the scale of destruction reflects the “depravity of terrorists and bandits” determined to disrupt the peace and livelihoods of communities in Borgu. He expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

“My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones, just as I wish quick recovery to the many who were injured during the rage of atrocities,” he said.

The senator reaffirmed his support for Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, noting that the attacks come at a challenging time for the state. He commended the governor’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities across Niger State.

Abdullahi also referenced a previous statement he made two weeks earlier, in which he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the safe release of nearly 300 pupils, students, teachers and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Borgu LGA. The victims were abducted during a terrorist invasion of the school on November 21, 2025.

He urged residents of Borgu to draw reassurance from President Tinubu’s resolve to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the latest attacks.

While acknowledging the grief caused by the loss of lives and property, the minister encouraged communities to embrace unity and resilience, stressing that terrorists do not discriminate based on religion or ethnicity.

“The merchants of mayhem know neither Christian nor Muslim, nor do they target any specific ethnic group. Anyone could be their victim,” he said.

Abdullahi called on residents to work closely with security agencies to ensure that Borgu does not become a safe haven for criminal elements.

“We must wipe our tears, stand united, and firmly resolve never to allow terrorists and bandits dictate the rhythm of our lives,” he added.