Gunmen attacked a farming community in northwest Nigeria, killing at least 15 people in the latest deadly assault, local officials said Saturday. The attack occurred in the village of Kaura Namoda in Zamfara state, a region plagued by banditry and kidnappings.
Details of the Attack
The assailants arrived on motorcycles late Friday evening, opening fire on residents and setting several homes ablaze. According to Zamfara state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu, the attackers targeted farmers who had recently formed vigilante groups to defend themselves against cattle rustlers and kidnappers. “The gunmen came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically,” Shehu said. “We have recovered 15 bodies so far, but the death toll may rise as search operations continue.”
Rising Violence in Northwest Nigeria
Northwest Nigeria has seen a surge in attacks by armed gangs known locally as bandits, who raid villages for livestock, kidnap for ransom, and kill residents who resist. The Nigerian government has deployed military forces to the region, but attacks persist. In April, bandits killed at least 20 people in a raid on a village in neighboring Katsina state.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack in a statement, calling it “a heinous act of violence against hardworking Nigerians.” He ordered security forces to intensify operations in Zamfara and surrounding states to dismantle criminal networks. “We will not rest until these murderous elements are brought to justice,” Tinubu said.
Impact on Local Communities
The attack has forced many residents to flee their homes, seeking shelter in nearby towns. Local farmer Musa Abdullahi said he lost two brothers in the assault. “We cannot even bury them properly because we are afraid the bandits will return,” he told The Associated Press. The violence has also disrupted farming activities, raising concerns about food shortages in a region already struggling with poverty.
Human rights groups have criticized the government’s response, calling for more effective measures to protect civilians. Amnesty International Nigeria issued a statement saying, “The authorities must urgently address the root causes of this violence, including impunity and lack of economic opportunities.”
