Motorcycle Gunmen Raid Northwest Nigeria, Kill Dozens and Abduct Residents
A deadly gunmen attack in Nigeria has left at least 50 people dead after armed men stormed a village in Zamfara State late Thursday night, according to officials and residents.
The assault took place in Tungan Dutse village in the Bukkuyum area of northwest Nigeria, where attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles, opened fire, set homes ablaze, and abducted several residents.
Local lawmaker Hamisu A. Faru, who represents Bukkuyum South, confirmed the casualties while speaking to Reuters.
“They have been moving from one village to another… leaving at least 50 people dead,” Faru said.
Authorities are still trying to determine the number of people abducted, as officials continue compiling a list of the missing women and children taken during the overnight raid.
Warning Signs Before the Attack
Residents say warning signs were visible before the tragedy unfolded.
Abdullahi Sani, a 41-year-old villager, said locals had alerted security forces after spotting more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men near the area a day earlier.
However, villagers claim no action was taken.
“No one slept yesterday; we are all in pain,” Sani said, adding that three members of his family were killed in the attack.
Growing Security Crisis in Northwest Nigeria
Large parts of northern and western Nigeria continue to face persistent security threats, including armed criminal gangs, bandits, and rebel fighters.
The Zamfara attack follows another deadly incident just last week in Niger State, where at least 46 people were killed during raids in the Borgu area. Reports say the village of Konkoso suffered the worst violence, with 38 residents killed, some shot and others having their throats cut.
Nigeria Expands Security Cooperation with the US
The escalating violence comes as Nigeria strengthens security cooperation with the United States.
Recently, US President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to stop the killing of Christians and warned that the US could consider military intervention if the situation worsens.
On December 25, the United States carried out airstrikes in Sokoto State, reportedly coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
Earlier this week, Nigeria’s military also confirmed the arrival of 100 US soldiers who will help train local forces.
According to Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, the US personnel will provide technical support, intelligence sharing, and equipment to assist Nigeria’s fight against terrorist organisations.
He emphasized that the American troops will not take part in direct combat operations and will instead work under Nigerian command.
As authorities continue searching for the abducted villagers and assessing the damage, residents of Zamfara remain shaken by yet another deadly attack in northwest Nigeria.
Source: Al Jazeera