Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan condemns Kasuwan Daji Market attack in Niger State, where 42 were killed and several abducted

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has condemned the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Niger State, describing it as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

Also read: Tinubu orders manhunt after Niger attack kills 42

At least 42 people, including women, were reportedly killed during the Saturday, January 3, attack in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area, while several others were abducted.

Gunmen stormed the busy market, opened fire indiscriminately, set parts of the market ablaze, and fled with captives.

In a statement issued in Abuja by her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the incident 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,” she 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.”

The senator extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, assuring them of her solidarity in this moment of profound grief.

She also warned that such attacks go beyond loss of life, crippling local economies and livelihoods.

“The burning of the market and the kidnapping of innocent citizens further deepen the trauma on these communities,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “This cycle of violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked.”

Calling for urgent action, she urged security agencies to swiftly track down the perpetrators.

“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 further stressed the need for a proactive, intelligence-driven security approach, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

“Nigeria cannot afford to normalise these tragedies. Protecting lives and property is the foremost duty of any government,” she added.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded the market, looted shops, carted away food items, and set the market on fire.

Following the attack, President Bola Tinubu directed the military, police, and the State Security Service to track down the perpetrators and urgently rescue abducted victims.