The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has condemned the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Niger State, describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, January 3, in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area, reportedly claimed the lives of no fewer than 42 people, including women, while several others were abducted.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that armed men stormed the bustling market, fired sporadically at traders and residents, torched sections of the market and escaped with an unspecified number of captives.
Read also: UPDATED: Bandits kill 42 in Niger State market raid, Tinubu orders security to hunt perpetrators
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Mike Idoko, her Special Adviser on Media, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the assault as “heartbreaking, senseless, and a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting many Nigerian communities.”
“My heart is heavy as I mourn the innocent men and women who were brutally murdered at Kasuwan Daji Market,” the senator said.
“These were ordinary Nigerians going about their lawful activities, only to be cut down by evil forces that have no regard for human life.”
She expressed condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Niger State, noting that the tragedy had plunged the affected communities into deep mourning.
“I sympathise profoundly with the families who have lost loved ones in this cruel attack,” she stated.
“No words can truly heal such pain, but I pray that God grants the families the strength and comfort to bear these irreparable losses.”
Beyond the loss of lives, the lawmaker voiced concern over reports of kidnappings and the destruction of the market, warning that such acts leave lasting economic and psychological scars on communities.
“The burning of the market and the kidnapping of innocent citizens further deepen the trauma on these communities,” she said.
“This cycle of violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan called on security agencies to act without delay, urging the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“I call on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently in apprehending those responsible. Our people deserve protection, and criminals terrorising our communities must be confronted with the full weight of the law,” she said.
She also stressed the need for a more proactive and intelligence-driven security strategy, particularly in rural areas increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
“Nigeria cannot afford to normalise these tragedies,” she added.
“Protecting lives and property is the foremost duty of any government, and urgent steps must be taken to restore peace and confidence among our people.”
Earlier, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attack, stating that suspected bandits operating from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded the market, looted shops, carted away food items and set the market ablaze.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the military, the police and the Department of State Services to pursue the assailants and ensure the rescue of all abducted victims.
The President warned that those responsible for the attack “must face the full consequences of their criminal actions.”
