Tinubu Orders Rescue After Mosque Mass Kidnapping

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military and other security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation after about 600 women, children, and older people were kidnapped by gunmen in north-central Niger State last week. A video posted online shows what residents say are the abductees held captive by armed men urging families to identify their relatives among those shown.

The incident occurred two days before the video's release when gunmen attacked worshippers at a mosque in Dekara village during Friday prayers. Residents reported that simultaneous raids were conducted on several communities, including Dakera, Gidan-Zana, and Sabon Gida. An official from Borgu district said 30 people had been killed during the attack and were buried on Sunday.

The presidency condemned the attack as cowardly in its first public comments on the incident. Tinubu vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice and directed security chiefs to provide regular updates on efforts to rescue the abductees and account for all those taken. Abubakar Umar, the traditional head of Dakera community, said at least 2,000 people fled into neighboring Benin Republic following the attack.

Mass kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in parts of north-western and north-central Nigeria. Heavily armed gangs frequently raid villages, schools, and highways, with violence spreading southward from its previous focus in the northern regions.

Obed Nana, Niger state commissioner for information, told Reuters by phone that authorities were still trying to verify the number of missing people. 'I don't want to be too speculative about it because you know how sensitive such information can be,' said Nana. Reuters could not independently verify the figure but if confirmed it would rank among Nigeria’s largest and most audacious mass kidnappings in recent years.