Assailants kill at least 32 in north-west Nigerian villages

Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 32 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in north-west Nigeria’s Niger state early on Saturday. The dawn attacks hit Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso and Pissa in the Borgu local government area, near the border with Benin Republic, as assailants swept through the communities.

Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said six people died in the attack on Tunga-Makeri and that a “yet to be ascertained number of persons were abducted.” He confirmed Konkoso had been attacked and said joint security teams had been mobilised to assess the scene and try to rescue victims.

Residents who fled recounted chaotic early-morning violence. Jeremiah Timothy said attackers entered Konkoso around 6am (5am GMT), set the police station ablaze and that “at least 26 people were killed” as gunmen fired indiscriminately. An anonymous witness said the group rode more than 200 motorbikes and that military jets were heard overhead.

Nigeria, Niger State

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