Gunmen Kill at Least 30 in Attacks on Villages in Northwest Nigeria

Armed attackers on motorbikes killed at least 30 people and burned homes and shops during coordinated raids on three villages in northwest Nigeria, residents told Reuters.

The attacks occurred early Saturday in villages in Niger State, within Borgu Local Government Area, near the border with Benin.

Residents blamed the violence on armed groups commonly referred to as “bandits,” who have carried out repeated killings, mass kidnappings for ransom, and village raids across northern Nigeria. The growing insecurity has intensified pressure on the federal government to restore order.

Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for Niger State police, confirmed an attack on Tunga-Makeri village.

“Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village. Six people were killed, several houses were set on fire, and an unknown number of residents were abducted,” Abiodun said. He added that the attackers later moved toward Konkoso village, though details from other locations were still emerging.

Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso who fled to a nearby area, said the assault began before dawn with heavy gunfire.

“At least 26 people have been killed so far after the attackers set the police station on fire,” Timothy said. He said the gunmen entered the village around 6 a.m., shooting indiscriminately. Residents also reported hearing military jets overhead during the attack.

Another witness, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said more than 200 attackers on motorbikes swept through the area, targeting multiple villages.

Auwal Ibrahim, a resident of Tunga-Makeri, said the assault on his village began around 3 a.m. local time.

“They came on many motorcycles, firing randomly, killing and beheading people, and burning shops,” Ibrahim said. “The entire village fled, and many are afraid to return because the attackers are still nearby.”