At least 30 people have been killed and an unknown number abducted in an attack in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State. The assault, attributed to armed bandits, occurred on Saturday, plunging the region further into turmoil.
According to police reports, the assailants stormed Kasuan Daji village in the Borgo area late Saturday, opening fire on residents. The attackers also reportedly destroyed the local market and numerous homes, exacerbating the devastation.
Niger State police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the tragic incident, stating, “Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, and others were abducted.”
Local residents have reported potentially higher casualty figures, with some estimating the death toll at 37. They also expressed concern that the number could rise further as some individuals remain missing following the attack.
These attacks are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Numerous criminal gangs frequently target remote communities with limited security and government presence in their quest for control.
These criminal groups, often referred to as “bandits” by locals, regularly conduct mass kidnappings for ransom and carry out raids on villages in northwestern and north-central Nigeria. The lack of adequate security measures has left these communities vulnerable to these violent incursions.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for increased security measures and improved governance in the affected regions of Nigeria.
