Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has attributed last week’s deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Borgu Local Government Area to a fight among bandits over the illegal cattle trade. Several people were killed, and others were abducted during the assault.
The governor who spoke after a courtesy visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Dantoro, described the attack as a tragic recurrence of violence in the region.
Governor Bago said the market is notorious for the sale of stolen cattle, making it a prime target for rival bandit groups.
“This market is called Kasuwan Daji. Kasuwan Daji is a market of thieves,” he said. “By definition, stolen cattle are sold in the forest, so this attack was carried out by bandits in a market where rustled cattle are traded.”
He stressed that the loss of lives remains the main concern and labelled the killings as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by criminal networks.
Call for Traditional Authorities’ Vigilance
The governor urged traditional rulers to exercise caution, warning them not to allow strangers to settle in their communities without proper background checks.
“Now we know the crux of the matter. We are here to caution the Emirate council on their role,” Bago said. “Settlers can come with dangerous weapons, extremist ideologies, and Boko Haram links to commit heinous crimes.”
To aid security operations, Bago announced that communities around the Kainji Lake forest have been asked to relocate within the next two months. This, he said, will allow security agencies to clear the area of criminals.
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He warned that failure to cooperate with relocation efforts could result in serious consequences.
Governor Condemns Recurring Violence
Bago expressed deep regret that such violence occurred less than two months after previous attacks in the area. “It is unfortunate this is happening again, now that people were murdered and slaughtered in the market square,” he said.
The governor emphasised that understanding the root of these attacks is crucial for preventing further bloodshed and safeguarding lives in the region.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
