Niger Communities Name 547 Alleged Mosque Abduction Victims, Dispute Official Figure

Communities in Dekara District of Borgu LGA, Niger State, have released a document listing 547 people they say were abducted when armed men attacked mosques during Friday prayers on August 21, 2026. The community account conflicts sharply with the Niger State Government’s earlier figure of 63 abductees. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had dismissed reports of more than 500 abductions, while the Borgu LGA chairman also put the number at slightly above 60. Community representatives said those listed were taken towards the Kainji Lake National Park forest. They include residents from Gbenji, Giagbasso, Dekara, Kpenya and Gbebara, as well as religious and community leaders. The claims have not independently established the final number of people still being held. The discrepancy has intensified calls for authorities to verify the list, account for the missing persons and provide updates on rescue efforts.

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