Borgu Residents Demand Release of Hundreds Abducted in Nigeria Attacks

Residents of Borgu district in Nigeria’s Niger State protested in New Bussa on Monday, demanding the release of hundreds of people abducted during attacks on communities near the Benin border on Aug. 21. Community leaders estimate that roughly 600 to nearly 700 people—mostly women, children and older adults—remain captive, though authorities have not confirmed the figure. President Bola Tinubu ordered a rescue operation, but residents say no captives have been recovered and the government’s response has been slow; state officials say security agencies have been mobilized but have not reported significant progress. Protesters also called for improved security, roads and bridges, while insecurity has restricted access to markets and health care and prompted businesses to close. The demonstration increases pressure on Tinubu’s administration ahead of Nigeria’s January 2027 elections.