Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has rejected reports that about 500 worshippers were abducted during an attack on a mosque in Dakera, saying the actual number of victims was 63.
According to the governor, 33 worshippers were taken from the mosque, while another 30 people were abducted from a nearby market as the attackers fled.
Bago disclosed this on Wednesday when former governor of the state and Niger North Senator, Abubakar Sani Bello, visited the Government House to sympathise with the state over recent security incidents.
The governor said three of the 63 abducted persons had been killed, while 14 others had been rescued.
He dismissed the reports of 500 abductees as exaggerated social media claims.
Bago said, “33 worshippers were initially abducted from the mosque, while the bandits seized another 30 people from a market as they fled, bringing the total number of victims to 63.”
He added that the figures being circulated should not mislead the public.
The governor, however, acknowledged the worsening security situation in parts of Niger North, particularly Borgu, where communities have continued to face abduction incidents.
He said the state government was hopeful that the security situation would soon be brought under control.
Earlier, Bello said his visit was to commiserate with the state over the recent attacks and deaths.
The former governor also announced plans to visit Borgu to sympathise with the emirate and communities affected by the abductions.