At least 30 villagers have been killed and others abducted in a deadly raid on Demo village in Niger state, northern Nigeria, marking the latest episode of violence in the conflict-hit region. Witnesses report that the attackers stormed the local Kasuwan Daji market, opening fire indiscriminately and targeting men, women, and children.

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Details of the Attack

According to Niger police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, the raid occurred at around 4:30 p.m. (15:30 GMT) on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when gunmen on motorcycles attacked the bustling market:

“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack; some persons were also kidnapped,” Abiodun said.

The assailants also burned stalls and looted food supplies, leaving the village in chaos. Witnesses described a scene of terror:

“Women and children were not spared,” said Dauda Shakulle, who sustained injuries while fleeing. “There has been no presence of security forces since the attacks began. We are currently recovering corpses.”

Authorities said the attackers came from the National Park Forest along Kabe district, highlighting a pattern where forest reserves act as hideouts for armed gangs.

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Background: Banditry in Niger State

Niger state has been severely affected by the surge in bandit attacks, with armed gangs targeting remote communities with limited security. These raids often include killings, kidnappings, and looting.

• November 2025: Over 300 schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Borgu local government area. They were released after nearly a month in captivity.
• Ongoing threat: Despite security operations, authorities have struggled to contain violence, with attacks on civilians continuing across the state.

The region’s insecurity has left many villagers defenseless, relying on informal networks to survive attacks.

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International Reactions

In response to the attacks, US President Donald Trump threatened military action, framing the violence as targeted killings of Nigeria’s Christian population—a narrative that has been rejected by the Nigerian government, which states that Muslims are also among the primary victims of armed groups.

On December 25, 2025, the United States, in coordination with Nigerian forces, conducted airstrikes targeting ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump posted on Truth Social:

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria.”

This move drew mixed reactions, with critics questioning the effectiveness of foreign military intervention and highlighting the complex nature of Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.

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The Human Cost

Local communities in northern Nigeria continue to endure trauma, displacement, and fear. Residents of Demo village are now grappling with the loss of family members, destruction of property, and ongoing uncertainty about future attacks.

Aid organizations have warned that such violence exacerbates humanitarian crises, limiting access to food, healthcare, and education in affected areas.

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Why Niger State Remains Vulnerable

• Expansive forested areas provide cover for armed groups.
• Limited security presence in remote villages.
• Proliferation of armed gangs exploiting socio-economic hardships.

Experts stress that without a sustained security strategy, these attacks will continue to plague northern Nigeria, with devastating consequences for local populations.

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Key Takeaways

• Location: Demo village, Kasuwan Daji market, Niger state, northern Nigeria
• Casualties: At least 30 killed; several abducted
• Attack method: Gunmen on motorcycles, indiscriminate shooting, looting, and arson
• Security concerns: Weak local law enforcement, forest hideouts for gangs
• International response: US airstrikes on ISIL targets in northwest Nigeria; controversy over framing attacks as anti-Christian