Armed Attackers Kill Over 30 People in Northern Nigeria Raid

Bloody Raid in Northern Nigeria

In a brutal attack that occurred Saturday afternoon, armed groups raided a village in Niger State, Northern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 locals and further abductions. According to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, "over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack; several people were also kidnapped."

The assailants stormed the Kasuwan Daji market in the village of Demo around 4:30 PM (GMT), setting stalls ablaze and stealing food items. Such attacks are common in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, where numerous organized crime gangs, locally referred to as "bandits," frequently target remote communities with limited security and government presence.

The police confirmed that the attackers came from the forest of the National Park in the Kabe district, a common practice as the vast forests serve as hideouts for armed gangs. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers rode on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately. "Neither women nor children were spared," reported Dauda Shakulle, who was injured during his escape. "There has been no presence of security forces since the attacks began. We are currently recovering bodies."

Niger State has been severely affected by violence in recent months. Security forces are struggling to control the situation despite ongoing operations. In November, the local government area of Borgu was the scene of another attack when over 300 children and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school, later being released after nearly a month in captivity.