LAGOS, Nigeria
At least 47 people were killed on Tuesday in a series of attacks by armed bandits across Katsina, Kwara, and Benue states, as rural communities continued to bear the brunt of Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.
In Katsina State, at least 20 residents were killed when bandits stormed Doma community in Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.
Witnesses said the attackers moved unhindered, shooting villagers and setting houses and vehicles ablaze before fleeing. Faskari Local Government Chairman Surajo Aliyu confirmed the incident, describing it as a deadly reprisal and the worst in recent months.
“This attack is a reprisal one, and it is a deadly one indeed. We have not seen anything like this in the last five months,” Aliyu said.
In Kwara State, bandits killed at least 10 villagers in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The attackers, reportedly operating from the Borgu National Park forest in neighboring Niger State, invaded the communities around 6.00 pm, firing sporadically and setting houses ablaze.
A community leader confirmed the deaths, adding that several residents fled into the bush during the attack. The state government condemned the killings as a “cowardly expression of frustration” by terrorist cells responding to ongoing counterterrorism operations.
In Benue State, 17 people, including a Mobile Police officer, were killed when gunmen attacked the Abande market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area. Gunmen opened fire on traders and residents, killing many on the spot. Police spokesperson in Benue State, Udeme Edet confirmed the attack.
The violence coincided with an announcement by the US earlier Wednesday that it had deployed a “small team” of troops to Nigeria following renewed joint security cooperation.
As investigations and search operations continue, affected communities remain in shock, mourning the dead and fleeing amid fears of further violence.
