Kasuwan Daji Attack Linked to Stolen Cattle Trade — Niger Governor Bago
Story: written by Daniel January 16,2026
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has attributed the recent deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in Borgu Local Government Area to activities surrounding the illegal cattle trade.
Speaking after a courtesy visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Dantoro, the governor said the market had gained notoriety as a hub for the sale of rustled livestock, making it a flashpoint for violent clashes among bandit groups.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Bago lamented that the attack occurred barely two months after a similar tragedy, resulting in the killing and abduction of innocent people within the market.
According to the governor, the violence was sparked by rival bandit factions battling for dominance over the illicit cattle business. He noted that Kasuwan Daji was widely recognised as a location where stolen cattle were traded, particularly within forested areas.
Bago stressed that the most painful aspect of the incident was the loss of lives, adding that the government now has a clearer understanding of the underlying issues driving the violence.
He warned traditional institutions to be more vigilant, cautioning against allowing unfamiliar individuals to settle in their domains without proper scrutiny. According to him, such lapses could create opportunities for criminals, extremists and insurgent elements to infiltrate communities and carry out deadly attacks.
On security interventions, the governor disclosed that residents living around the Kainji Lake forest have been directed to relocate within the next two months. This move, he said, would enable security agencies to effectively flush out criminal elements from the area.
Governor Bago also cautioned that failure to comply with the relocation directive could attract serious consequences, emphasizing that the plans put in place by the government and the Emirate council must be respected.
He concluded by urging traditional rulers to see the attack as a serious warning and to strengthen background checks before granting settlement rights to strangers.
