President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate rescue operation after gunmen kidnapped scores of people in Niger State.
The attackers reportedly targeted a mosque and several communities in the Borgu Local Government Area during Friday prayers.
A video later appeared on Facebook and WhatsApp showing a large group of women, children and older people sitting in a forest while surrounded by armed men.
Residents claimed that about 600 people were taken from Dekara and nearby communities. However, authorities have not confirmed the number.
Earlier estimates from residents suggested that between 60 and 80 people had been kidnapped. Officials said they were still working to establish how many people were missing.
Some residents who watched the video said they recognised their relatives among the captives.
“We have identified our elders, relatives, and some of us have seen their wives and children in the video,” resident Abdulmutallib Muqaddas Dindi said.
An official from the area also claimed that 30 people were killed during the attack. Police had earlier said they had not received reports of any deaths, leaving the exact casualty figure unclear.
Tinubu directed the military, police and other security agencies to find the attackers and safely rescue the victims.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities and uphold the sanctity of human life,” the president said.
Security officials must also provide regular updates and account for everyone taken during the attack.
About 2,000 residents reportedly fled across the border into Benin following the violence.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
