Niger state market attack in Nigeria claims fifty lives

(MENAFN) At least 50 people have died following an armed assault on a market in Niger state, Nigeria, according to local reports on Sunday.

The Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village was targeted on Saturday by an armed gang that opened fire on shoppers and residents, abducted several individuals, and looted food supplies.

Authorities organized a mass funeral for the victims, while those injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, urging security forces to capture those responsible.

“They are testing the resolve of our nation and must face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” he said, also instructing authorities to rescue all abducted individuals immediately.

Niger state has faced a string of violent attacks in recent weeks, particularly in rural areas where armed groups exploit forested terrain. In a previous incident on Nov. 21, armed men abducted 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers, from a private school in Agwara Local Government Area. Some pupils escaped on the first day and were reunited with families, while the federal government later secured the release of 100 others. Authorities confirmed that the remaining students were freed by Dec. 21.

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