Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has condemned the recent attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Niger State, where armed bandits reportedly killed at least 42 people and abducted several others.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Monday by her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the attack as “heartbreaking, senseless, and a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting many Nigerian communities.”
“My heart is heavy as I mourn the innocent men and women who were brutally murdered at Kasuwan Daji Market. These were ordinary Nigerians going about their lawful activities, only to be cut down by evil forces that have no regard for human life,” she said.
She extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents of her solidarity during this time of grief.
The senator also expressed concern over reports of abductions and the destruction of the market, noting that such attacks not only claim lives but also cripple local economies and livelihoods.
Akpoti-Uduaghan called on security agencies to take swift and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing the need for a proactive, intelligence-driven approach, especially in rural and vulnerable communities.
The Niger State Police confirmed the attack, stating that suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded the market, looted shops, and set the market ablaze.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu directed the military, police, and the State Security Service to rescue all abducted victims and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.
The senator urged that Nigeria must not normalize such tragedies and stressed that protecting lives and property is the foremost duty of any government