In a brutal assault that has shocked the nation, at least 30 people were killed when armed gunmen stormed a busy market in northern Nigeria. The attack, which took place on Saturday afternoon, has once again highlighted the severe security challenges facing the country.
Timeline of the Market Massacre
According to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, the horrific incident unfolded at the Kasuwan Daji market located in Demo village. The assailants, who are locally referred to as bandits, launched their coordinated attack at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The market, typically bustling with vendors and shoppers at that hour, was thrown into chaos as the gunmen opened fire.
Destruction and Looting by the Assailants
The violence was not limited to shooting. The bandits engaged in widespread destruction, deliberately setting fire to market stalls. They also looted the area, making off with significant quantities of food items and other goods. This pattern of arson and theft is a common tactic used by such groups to inflict maximum economic damage on communities and instill fear.
Local sources describe scenes of panic as people tried to flee the burning market. The attack has left the community in Demo village devastated, with families mourning the loss of loved ones and livelihoods reduced to ashes.
Ongoing Security Crisis in Nigeria
This attack underscores the persistent threat posed by armed bandit groups in several regions of Nigeria. These groups, often operating from remote forest hideouts, frequently raid villages, attack public places, and engage in kidnappings for ransom. The Nigerian security forces have been engaged in ongoing operations to curb their activities, but attacks on soft targets like markets continue.
The Kasuwan Daji market attack is one of the deadliest in recent weeks and is likely to prompt renewed calls for enhanced security measures in vulnerable rural areas. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are pursuing the perpetrators.
