Residents of Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State, Nigeria, have taken to the streets to demand urgent action over the continued captivity of hundreds of people abducted during a mass kidnapping more than a month ago.
The protest took place on Monday in New Bussa, where residents from Dekara and surrounding communities gathered at the local government headquarters to call for the release of their relatives and neighbours.
The mass abduction occurred on August 21, when armed men attacked several communities in Borgu. Residents said about 600 people, mainly women, children and elderly residents, were taken during the attacks. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the total number of people abducted.
Residents demand rescue of kidnapping victims
The latest demonstration reflects growing frustration among communities that say their relatives have remained in captivity weeks after the attack.
The protesters want security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the victims and bring them home safely.
Borgu is located roughly 300 kilometres from Minna, the Niger State capital, and sits close to Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic. Its location and surrounding terrain present security challenges for authorities attempting to track armed groups operating in the area.
The protesters also raised concerns about the wider effect of insecurity on daily life. Residents said fear of further attacks has disrupted movement and made it harder for people to access markets and healthcare facilities.
Communities estimate nearly 700 people may be captive
While residents initially reported that around 600 people had been abducted, community leaders now believe the number of people still being held could be considerably higher.
Abdullahi Yahaya Sadauki, president of the Borgu Youths Development Association, said local communities estimated that close to 700 people could be in the hands of kidnappers.
However, the figure has not been independently verified, and Nigerian authorities have not provided an official number of missing or captive residents.
Sadauki called for authorities to conduct a headcount across the affected communities to establish how many people were actually taken during the attacks.
The uncertainty surrounding the number of victims has added to the anxiety among families waiting for information about their loved ones.
Tinubu ordered rescue operation after attack
Following the August attacks, President Bola Tinubu directed the military and other security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation.
The president also ordered security chiefs to provide regular updates on efforts to locate the abducted residents.
Despite the directive, the victims had not been located by the time of Monday’s protest, according to residents and the latest Reuters report.
Niger State Commissioner for Information Obed Nuhu Nana said security agencies had been mobilised and that the government was making efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The continued captivity, however, has increased pressure on both state and federal authorities to demonstrate progress in the rescue operation.
Shops shut down during protest
The protest also affected commercial activities in Borgu.
Residents reportedly closed shops even though Monday was a market day, using the shutdown to demonstrate their concern over the security situation and the fate of the kidnapped residents.
Protesters said they wanted government authorities to take stronger measures to protect communities and secure the release of those still being held.
Hanifa Konkoso, a 26-year-old resident, said the community wanted government action and continued to press authorities over the captives and deteriorating security conditions.
Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis
The Borgu abductions are part of a wider security problem affecting several parts of northern Nigeria.
Mass kidnappings by armed criminal groups have become a recurring threat, particularly in remote communities where security presence is limited. Earlier reports on the Borgu attack said residents believed roughly 600 people had been taken, while footage circulated online appearing to show large numbers of captives. Reuters said it could not independently verify the exact number or the location of the video.
The August attack also reportedly resulted in deaths and forced some residents to flee their communities, further disrupting life in the area.
For families whose relatives remain missing, the priority is now the safe return of the victims.
The latest protest shows that anger over the prolonged captivity is growing, with residents demanding greater security and clearer information from authorities.
As the Niger State kidnapping crisis continues, pressure is mounting on the government to locate the abducted residents and restore confidence among communities affected by the attacks.
