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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Niger abduction: No contact from terrorists six days after attack, says official

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Six days after terrorists abducted worshippers in Niger State, the government has received no communication from the perpetrators.
  • The exact number of people taken remains unconfirmed, with attacks occurring at three locations on August 21.
  • President Bola Tinubu has ordered a coordinated rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.

The Niger State government has confirmed it has received no communication from terrorists who abducted worshippers during Friday prayers six days ago. The state's Commissioner for Information, Obed Nuhu, stated on Thursday that the exact number of people taken in the August 21 attacks remains unconfirmed.

The attacks reportedly occurred at three different locations within the Borgu Local Government Area. Nuhu indicated that the suspected perpetrators are elements known as Lakurawas and Boko Haram. He cautioned against relying on unverified figures, emphasizing that the government would not speculate on the number of abductees until verified details are obtained.

No such (contact with the kidnappers) has happened. We have not had any interactions with them but the suspicion is the Lakurawas as they call themselves and the Boko Haram.

— Obed NuhuThe Niger State Commissioner for Information on the lack of communication with abductors.

Reports suggest the violence extended beyond the initial mosque attack, affecting several communities in the Dekara area. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Northern Senators Forum indicated that attacks took place in Gbeji, Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu, and Dekara communities, resulting in killings, injuries, and abductions. The Islamic council expressed particular concern over an attack on Dekara, where over 60 worshippers were reportedly abducted from a central mosque during Jumu'at prayers.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a coordinated rescue operation. This operation involves the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other security agencies to secure the release of the abducted individuals.

It happened in three different locations around that kingdom.

— Obed NuhuDescribing the scope of the attacks in Niger State.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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