In a brutal escalation of violence in northern Nigeria, armed assailants killed at least 30 villagers and abducted several others during a raid on Kasuwan-Daji village. The police in Niger state confirmed the grim details on Sunday, highlighting the persistent insecurity plaguing the region.
Details of the Saturday Evening Attack
The horrific incident unfolded on Saturday evening in the Borgu local government area of Niger state. According to a statement by the state police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately on residents. They also set ablaze the local market and several houses, compounding the terror and destruction.
While the official police account puts the death toll at 30, some local residents fear the number is significantly higher. A report citing villagers indicated that at least two residents placed the number of fatalities at 37. They warned the figure could rise further as many people remained unaccounted for and missing as of Sunday.
Contradiction Over Security Response
A point of major contention has emerged between the affected community and the security forces. The police statement claimed that officers had been deployed to the area to search for the abducted victims. However, frustrated residents on the ground told a different story. They expressed anger and disappointment, stating that security forces had not yet arrived in the area to help them, contradicting the official police claims.
Latest in a Series of Regional Violence
This attack marks the latest in a long series of violent outbreaks in Nigeria's conflict-ridden northern regions. Communities in states like Niger have frequently been targeted by armed groups, leading to significant loss of life, kidnappings for ransom, and widespread displacement. The raid on Kasuwan-Daji village underscores the severe security challenges facing the area and the urgent need for effective intervention to protect vulnerable civilians.
This remains a developing story, and further details are awaited as authorities continue their investigation and search operations.
