60 Worshippers Reportedly Abducted in Mosque Attack in Nigeria

At least 60 worshippers were reportedly abducted after armed attackers raided a mosque and several nearby villages in Nigeria’s central Niger State. However, the exact number of abductees has not been independently verified.

Police said the attack took place around 2 p.m. on Friday (August 21) at a mosque in Kopenia, in the Dekkara area of Borgu Local Government Area. The attackers had also raided the nearby villages of Gidan-Jana and Kopenia.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said authorities were aware of the abduction reports but had not confirmed any deaths. A joint security team has been deployed to assess the situation and rescue those taken.

Local residents blamed an armed group known as Lakurawa for the attack. A survivor said hundreds of armed men stormed the area after Friday prayers, carrying guns and machetes.

Another armed group, known as Mahmuda, reportedly intervened and clashed with the attackers, allowing some abducted worshippers to escape.

Zubayer/MI.