HUNDREDS STILL CAPTIVE AFTER MASS KIDNAPPING AS NIGER STATE RESIDENTS PROTEST

NIGER STATE, Residents of several communities in Nigeria's Niger State have taken to the streets demanding the rescue of hundreds of people who remain missing more than a month after one of the country's largest recent mass kidnappings.

Protesters from Dekara and neighbouring communities in Borgu Local Government Area gathered at the local government headquarters in New Bussa on Monday, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to locate and rescue those abducted.

Residents previously estimated that about 600 people were taken during coordinated attacks on August 21, with women, children and elderly people making up many of those reported missing.

The precise number remains uncertain.

Abdullahi Yahaya Sadauki, president of the Borgu Youths Development Association, told Reuters that communities now estimate that close to 700 people are being held by the kidnappers.

Reuters said it could not independently verify that figure, while Nigerian authorities have not provided an official number of captives.

Sadauki called for authorities to conduct a headcount across the affected villages to establish the true number of people missing.

The August attacks targeted communities in Borgu, an area roughly 300 kilometres from Niger State capital Minna and close to Nigeria's western border with the Republic of Benin.

Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu ordered the military and other security agencies to begin an immediate rescue operation.

More than a month later, however, the victims have yet to be located, according to the latest Reuters report.

Niger State Commissioner for Information Obed Nuhu Nana said security agencies had been mobilised and insisted that the government was continuing efforts to rescue the captives.

The prolonged captivity has fueled growing frustration among residents.

Businesses in parts of Borgu were closed during Monday's protest despite it being a market day, as residents observed a shutdown to demand stronger government action.

Residents say insecurity is also disrupting everyday life, including access to markets and healthcare.

The mass abduction has renewed concerns about Nigeria's continuing struggle with kidnapping and armed violence.

Mass kidnappings have become a major security challenge in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target communities, schools and travelers.

Kidnapping for ransom has also developed into a lucrative criminal enterprise involving different armed networks operating across several regions.

The Niger State attack has attracted particular attention because of the unusually large number of people residents say were taken.

Authorities initially acknowledged the kidnappings but said they could not confirm the number of victims.

As families continue waiting for their relatives to return, protesters are demanding that authorities establish exactly how many people are missing and accelerate efforts to bring them home safely.

The continuing captivity is also increasing pressure on the federal government to demonstrate progress in addressing insecurity across affected communities.