Deadly Raid Kills 30 In Nigerian Village

At least 30 villagers were killed and several others abducted after armed gunmen carried out a deadly raid on a community in northern Nigeria’s Niger state, police said on Sunday.

The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents that continue to plague the conflict-hit region.

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The assault took place on Saturday evening in Kasuwan-Daji village, located in the Borgu local government area of Niger state.

Gunmen Set Homes and Market Ablaze

According to a statement by Niger state police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, the attackers stormed the village and opened fire on residents.

The gunmen also burned down the local market and several houses before fleeing the area.

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Police said security personnel have been deployed to track down the assailants and rescue those abducted.

However, residents disputed this claim, saying no security forces had reached the village as of Sunday.

Residents Fear Higher Death Toll

Local residents said the death toll could be significantly higher than the official figure.

At least two villagers estimated that around 37 people may have been killed, with several others still missing.

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Families continued searching for loved ones on Sunday, raising concerns that more victims could be discovered in nearby areas.

The uncertainty has heightened fear and anxiety among villagers, many of whom fled the area following the attack.

Region Plagued by Armed Gangs

Violent attacks have become increasingly common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Criminal gangs, often referred to locally as bandits, frequently target remote villages where security presence is limited.

These groups often carry out killings, kidnappings for ransom, and arson to assert control.

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Saturday’s attack occurred close to the Papiri community, where more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in November, underscoring the region’s vulnerability.

Forests Used as Hideouts

Police said the attackers likely entered Kasuwan-Daji from the National Park Forest along the Kabe district.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that vast, poorly monitored forest reserves in the region serve as hideouts for armed groups.

The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures and improved protection for rural communities facing persistent violence.

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