Armed men killed at least 38 people in the village of Dutse Dan Ajiya, located in the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara. This tragic incident, confirmed by Nigerian police and local authorities to AFP on Saturday, occurred during the early hours of Friday. The village is described as being remote, making it difficult for residents to escape or for help to arrive.

According to local lawmaker Hamishu Faru, the village was besieged by armed attackers who opened fire indiscriminately on the residents. He reported that anyone attempting to flee was shot, indicating the dire circumstances that the villagers faced during the assault. The high death toll underscores the ongoing violence and insecurity that has plagued northwest Nigeria in recent years, primarily driven by conflicts among armed groups, banditry, and competition for resources.

This attack not only highlights the immediate threat to community safety but also raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures in this area. With Zamfara being a region characterized by significant vulnerability, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to address the security challenges posed by armed groups and improve the overall safety for residents in these conflict-ridden areas.