At least 30 people were killed after motorcycle-borne gunmen launched coordinated armed attacks on three villages in northwestern Nigeria’s Niger state, police and residents said on Saturday. The assaults targeted communities in Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso and Pissa in the Bogru region. This comes weeks after militants killed over 160 people in the bordering Kwara State region.
Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months, with militants and bandits kidnapping hundreds of children and killing many in repeated raids. Niger state police spokesperson WasiuAbiodun confirmed the attack on Tunga-Makeri occurred on Saturday.
“Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village; six persons lost their lives and some houses were also set ablaze, though the number of those abducted by the gunmen remains unknown,” he said, adding that the neighbouring village of Konkoso was also attacked.
Authorities stated that many residents remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise in the coming days. Several homes were burnt down during Saturday’s raids.
Over the past few months, Nigeria has faced grave security concerns. US President Donald Trump alos accused the country of allowing the persecution of Christians by terrorists. The Nigerian government rejected the claim as a “false narrative”, stressing that violence has affected both Muslim and Christian communities alike.
In December, the United States conducted strikes on armed groups in Nigerian territory. A US military team is currently deployed in the West African nation.
The Nigerian government recently requested assistance from France to combat rising terrorist and bandit attacks on civilians. French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the request and announced that forces would be deployed to support Nigeria’s security efforts.
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