MINNA — Gunmen have reportedly invaded several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after Friday prayers.

The attacks reportedly occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, according to residents and the federal lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu.

The attacks reportedly occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, according to residents and the federal lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu.

Shetiman Borgu, who confirmed the attacks to the BBC, monitored by our correspondent, said the actual number of people abducted had yet to be ascertained.

He said several worshippers were attacked with machetes, while some managed to escape with injuries.

Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds,” he was quoted as saying.

According to him, the attackers entered Dekara after Friday prayers, surrounded a mosque and took worshippers into the forest.

He added that the gunmen subsequently moved into neighbouring communities, where they abducted more people after Friday prayers.

The lawmaker said youths and heads of households were among those taken away.

The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in Borgu, which borders Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.

Vanguard