Dozens dead in attacks in Western Nigeria
At least 46 people were killed in attacks by gunmen on three villages in Niger State, Nigeria, according to humanitarian sources.
At least 46 people have died in coordinated attacks by gunmen on three villages in Niger State, Nigeria. Humanitarian sources reported that 38 individuals were killed by gunfire or beheading in the village of Konkoso, while seven others were slain in Tungan Makiri and one in Besa. The attacks notably destroyed around 80% of houses in Konkoso, prompting relief teams to search for additional victims among the rubble.
Local police confirmed the assault on Tungan Makiri, describing how assailants believed to be bandits invaded the village during early morning hours, leading to the death of six residents, the burning of homes, and the abduction of an unknown number of people. This incident is part of a growing trend of violence associated with organized banditry in the region, where attackers often arrive on motorcycles, making it difficult for security forces to respond effectively.
These attacks further exacerbate the already dire security situation in Nigeria's northern regions, where communities regularly face threats from armed groups. The Nigerian government has been criticized for its inability to curb this rising violence, leading to calls for increased security measures and community protection initiatives to safeguard local populations from such brutal assaults.