Gunmen have reportedly invaded several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after Friday prayers.

The attacks reportedly occurred in Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka communities, according to residents and Jafar Muhammad Shetiman Borgu, the federal lawmaker representing the area.

Shetiman Borgu, who confirmed the attacks to the BBC, monitored by our correspondent, said the actual number of people abducted had yet to be ascertained.

He said several worshippers were attacked with machetes, while some managed to escape with injuries.

“Some people managed to escape, while others sustained machete wounds,” he was quoted as saying.

According to the lawmaker, the attackers entered Dekara shortly after Friday prayers, surrounded a mosque and took worshippers into the forest.

He added that the gunmen later moved into neighbouring communities, where they abducted more people after Friday prayers.

Shetiman Borgu said youths and heads of households were among those abducted.

The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in Borgu, which borders Kebbi and Kwara states as well as the Republic of Benin.

The lawmaker said forests in the area had become hideouts for suspected members of the Lakurawa and Mamudawa groups.

He disclosed that there was reportedly a disagreement between the two groups following Friday’s attacks on worshippers.

According to him, some members of the groups were said to have opposed the invasion of mosques and abduction of worshippers, leading to clashes between the factions.

He said authorities suspected that the abductors might have targeted youths for recruitment, although it remained unclear whether the attackers were members of Lakurawa or Mamudawa.

In recent months, reports have emerged of suspected Lakurawa fighters operating in parts of Niger State, where they allegedly gathered residents for preaching and warned them against activities they considered contrary to their interpretation of Islamic teachings.

The group has reportedly preached against stealing, alcohol consumption and adultery while calling on residents to observe Sharia principles.

Despite assurances by security agencies that efforts are ongoing to combat armed groups in Niger State, the latest attacks have further underscored the security challenges facing communities in the state.

Last week, more than 20 people were reportedly killed in parts of Borgu Local Government Area.

Borgu was also the scene of a major abduction in November 2025, when gunmen reportedly abducted more than 200 pupils in Papiri. The children were later released after spending about a month in captivity.