Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has explained the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Borgu Local Government Area, attributing it to disputes among bandits over the illegal cattle trade. Several people were killed and others abducted in last week’s raid.

Speaking after a courtesy visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Dantoro, Governor Bago described the market as a known hub for stolen cattle, making it a prime target for rival criminal groups.

“This market is called Kasuwan Daji. Kasuwan Daji is a market of thieves. By definition, stolen cattle are sold in the forest, so this is what happened. It is an attack by a bandit group in a market where rustled cattle are sold,” he said.

The governor expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and warned traditional authorities to exercise caution in accommodating strangers in their communities.

“The most important thing is that people were killed. Now we know the crux of the matter, we are here to caution the Emirate council on their role to give accommodation to those whom they don’t know to settle… they come with dangerous weapons, ideology, extremism and Boko Haram to commit heinous crimes,” he added.

In terms of security measures, Governor Bago announced that communities around the Kainji Lake forest have been asked to relocate within two months to enable security agencies to clear the area of criminals. He warned of serious consequences for noncompliance and urged traditional rulers to ensure proper background checks before allowing strangers to settle in their areas.