At least 30 people, including women and children, were killed and several others were abducted Jan. 3  in an attack at a market in Nigeria’s Niger State, according to Reuters. 

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated Jan. 4 that he has directed authorities “to hunt down” the perpetrators of the attack at the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo and guarantee they are quickly prosecuted. 

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people,” he continued. “They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. In addition, those who aid, abet, or enable them will also be brought to justice.” 

Witnesses said the gunmen entered the marketplace on motorcycles and opened fire "indiscriminately,” continuing a series of raids that began in nearby villages the day before, according to Reuters. FOX News reported that the gunmen torched stalls in the market and stole food supplies. 

Tinubu said in the Jan. 4 statement that he has directed the urgent rescue of those abducted and for the security of vulnerable communities, particularly near forests, to be amplified.  

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them and deny them any sanctuary,” he concluded. “We must reclaim peace for these attacked communities. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

In December 2025, Nigerian officials secured the release of about 230 students of a Catholic school in Niger State who had been abducted by terrorists the month prior.