Tinubu Orders Manhunt After 500 Abductees Appear in Niger State Video
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 25
Tinubu Orders Manhunt After 500 Abductees Appear in Niger State Video
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 25
Summary
More than 40 people were killed and up to 500 may have been abducted after gunmen attacked four Niger state villages during mosque prayers, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order a manhunt.
A video posted by the kidnappers showed captives sitting in a forest, and local residents said they recognized relatives from Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka.
Police have not verified the full abduction toll, but officials said the attackers wore military-style clothing, planted improvised explosive devices and killed a teenage boy as he tried to escape.
Many residents have fled to neighboring states or Benin, while survivors are being treated in hospital after what authorities suspect was another bandit raid for ransom.
The assault underscores worsening insecurity in Borgu, where police said earlier this month they rescued 145 abductees and local officials have warned of a growing jihadist presence.