Many bodies recovered after Niger mosque attacks – Borgu LG chair

Sources said the attackers ordered the worshippers out of their mosques and herded them into the forest.

Abdullahi confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with one of our reporters, saying the attackers captured more than 60 worshippers.

He said residents of the affected communities have recovered and buried the bodies of about 30 people killed during or after the abductions.

“From the records I have, those kidnapped were a little above 60. Those who were killed were close to 30. Although the military has gone there and restored calm, some people have run away to safer areas,” Abdullahi said.

He added that several houses were set ablaze during the attacks, including the residence of the District Head of Dekara, Abubakar Umar.

The chairman confirmed that the victims were abducted from the four communities while observing Juma’at prayers.

Following the attacks, dozens of residents reportedly fled their communities for New Bussa and neighbouring Benin Republic after the terrorists allegedly threatened to kill anyone who remained in the affected areas.

The police have also confirmed the deployment of a joint security operation to the affected communities to track the attackers and facilitate the rescue of the remaining abducted worshippers.

The terrorists later released a video of the captives, which was posted across social media.