Nigeria's president orders manhunt after kidnappers upload victim video

ByAbayomi Bamidele Adisa BBC Africa, Reporting fromLagos.

Key points

• The gunmen, reportedly dressed in military-style clothing, attacked the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka.
• Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for armed kidnappers who introduced deadly attacks on four villages in a remote part of Niger state last Friday.
• Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun informed the BBC that more than 40 residents were killed, but the exact number of deaths had not been confirmed.
• Earlier this month, police remarked 145 residents had been rescued after being abducted from four other villages in the area.
• In an official note issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the killings and abductions and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Local residents informed the BBC a number of mosques were simultaneously targeted during prayers. Though this has not been verified, a local youth leader notes as numerous as 500 individuals may have been abducted.

Notably, the president's orders came after the kidnappers posted a video on social media of what they remarked were those abducted last week sitting in a forest.

Meanwhile, the authorities had previously suspected the attackers were bandits – criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and looting for ransom throughout parts of Nigeria. No ransom demands have been documented. The kidnap gangs, jihadists and separatists wreaking havoc in Nigeria.

For context, the gunmen, reportedly dressed in military-style clothing, attacked the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka.

Looking at the footage published on social media, the local youth leader. This person asked not to be named, stated he recognised a number of individuals from his community.

"I was able to identify plenty of residents. There is an elderly man in the video who is like a grandfather to us, " he remarked. "He lives in Gidan Zana village."

He remarked families who had spotted relatives in the video were relieved to know they were still alive.

"At least they know where their loved ones are and hope they may be rescued, unlike those who still have no information about missing relatives, " he continued.

For context, a local blogger familiar with the area informed the BBC that numerous residents had fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighbouring states or throughout the border in Benin. Some survivors are receiving hospital treatment, including individuals with serious injuries.

For context, a local official additionally informed the BBC that the attackers planted improvised explosive devices in parts of the affected communities as they led abductees into the forest. He remarked a teenage boy was killed when an explosive detonated as he tried to escape.

"Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free, " the statement remarked.

In practice, the president additionally expressed his condolences to the families of those killed.

In practice, the attack is the latest sign of worsening insecurity in the Borgu area. It borders Kebbi and Kwara states as well as neighbouring Benin.

Local authorities have additionally triggered concern regarding the growing presence of jihadist groups operating in parts of north-western Nigeria and along the border region, saying some fighters have lately entered communities and imposed religious restrictions on residents. Extra reporting by Makuochi Okafor. You may additionally be interested in.

'They sent a letter asking to preach. Then they massacred us' – Nigerians on jihadist attack.

Dozens of Muslims 'massacred' in Nigeria for refusing to join jihadists, notes governor. Inside story of a Nigerian ransom negotiator.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.

Taken together, the developments around nigeria' s president orders manhunt after kidnappers upload victim video point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.