At Least 50 Killed in Northwest Nigeria Motorcycle Attack

Attack on Tungan Dutse Village in Zamfara State Leaves at Least 50 Dead, Hundreds Missing

A violent assault occurred overnight in Tungan Dutse village in Zamfara State’s Bukkuyum area, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people and the abduction of women and children. According to Hamisu A Faru, a lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South, the attack began on Thursday night and continued into Friday morning.

Eyewitnesses reported that armed men arrived on motorcycles and set fire to buildings before abducting residents. Residents claim they had warned security forces about the impending attack, but no action was taken. Three members of one family were among those killed in the assault.

The incident is part of a broader security crisis affecting Nigeria’s north and west, where armed criminal gangs and rebel fighters pose a threat. Similar attacks have occurred in recent weeks, including raids in Borgu area of northwest Niger State that resulted in at least 46 deaths.

International involvement has increased in response to the crisis. The US has expanded security cooperation with Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s criticism of the country’s handling of violence against Christians. In December, the US launched air strikes on Sokoto state, conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Additionally, 100 US soldiers have arrived in Nigeria to provide training and technical support to local forces.

The US personnel will offer intelligence sharing and technical expertise under Nigerian command, but will not engage directly in combat. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of the US troops, who are expected to assist in combating terrorist organizations.

Source: Al Jazeera