Nearly two dozen people were killed and several others kidnapped in the “unacceptable” attacks in Niger State, a local group has reported
Armed men have killed at least 20 people and abducted an unspecified number of residents in the latest attacks on villages in north-central Nigeria, according to a local group.
Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said two community guards and a driver were killed and others were injured, Reuters reported. Residents cited by the outlet, however, put the death toll at about 20 and said homes were destroyed.
The attack took place in Bagna and Erena in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday, where the militants also destroyed property, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) said in a statement on Wednesday.
“This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation in our state and the failure of the government to protect its citizens,” the group stated.
They residents cited by Reuters added that the attackers operated for several hours and overwhelmed security personnel in the area, forcing some villagers flee to the neighboring towns of Gwada Zumba and Galadima Kogo.
Shiroro has faced repeated attacks in recent years, including deadly ambushes on security forces. Last November, about 24 farmers, including pregnant women, were reportedly abducted by armed bandits while harvesting crops in Palaita community, also in Erena. Days earlier, gunmen abducted more than 300 students and 12 staff in a pre-dawn attack on St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger State, in the largest mass school kidnapping since Boko Haram seized 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014.
The Coalition of Northern Groups has denounced the continued attacks in Niger State as “unacceptable” and urged the federal and state authorities to deploy more troops and strengthen security in affected communities.
Violence across the West African nation has persisted despite Abuja’s declaration of a national security emergency, while foreign partners, including the US, have stepped up support in the fight against Islamic State-linked militants.
On Sunday, the Nigerian army said troops rescued 31 people taken during an Easter church service in Kaduna State. A week prior, gunmen raided Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, Plateau State, killing at least 28 people, according to police. During a visit to the area on April 2, President Bola Tinubu vowed to track down those behind the “dastardly acts” and ensure they face justice.
