Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 30 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in northwest Nigeria’s Niger State early yesterday, residents who escaped the violence told Reuters.
The attacks on villages in the Borgu Local Government Area, near the border with Benin Republic, are part of a surge in attacks blamed on ‘bandits’, who have carried out deadly assaults, abductions for ransom, and displaced communities across northern Nigeria.
Insecurity is a pressing concern in Nigeria and the government is under mounting pressure to restore stability.
Wasiu Abiodun, Niger State police spokesperson, confirmed the attack in one of the villages.
“Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village … six persons lost their lives, some houses were also set ablaze, and a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were abducted,” Abiodun said.
He added that the assailants had moved on to Konkoso village, while details of other attacks remained unclear.
Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso who fled to a nearby locality, said the attack on his village began in the early hours with sporadic gunfire.
He said residents heard military jets flying overhead.
Another witness who requested anonymity, said the attackers, riding more than 200 motorbikes, swept through the area targeting the villages.
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