Gunmen kill dozens and abduct villagers in northern Nigeria attack

Village Raid in Niger State Leaves at Least 30 Dead, Dozens Abducted

At least 30 villagers were killed and dozens abducted during a raid on Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village in northern Nigeria’s Niger state on Saturday. The attack occurred around 4:30pm local time.

According to police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, the gunmen arrived at the market from the National Park Forest along Kabe district, burning stalls and looting food items. Witnesses reported that the attackers drove motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately, with women and children among those targeted.

The attack is part of a series of violent incidents in Niger state, which has been one of the hardest hit by violence in recent months. Security forces have struggled to contain the violence despite ongoing operations.

In November, another attack occurred in the same area, resulting in the kidnapping of over 300 schoolchildren and their teachers. The victims were released after nearly a month in captivity.

The US President’s office has made public statements regarding the situation in Nigeria, with the President stating that military action would be taken against armed groups targeting Christians. However, the Nigerian government has rejected this narrative, citing that Muslims are also among those targeted by these groups.

In cooperation with the Nigerian government, the US conducted air attacks against ISIL fighters in northwest Nigeria on December 25.

Source: Al Jazeera