At least 30 villagers were killed and several others were abducted after armed gunmen carried out a deadly raid in Niger State, northern Nigeria, according to local police and security officials. The attack has once again highlighted the growing insecurity faced by rural communities in the region.
The assault took place in the early hours of the day, when heavily armed attackers stormed a village, opening fire on residents and setting homes ablaze. Survivors described scenes of chaos and terror as families fled into nearby fields and forests to escape the violence.
Authorities confirmed that, in addition to the fatalities, multiple residents—mostly women and children—were taken hostage. Security forces have launched search operations in surrounding areas, but the attackers are believed to have escaped before reinforcements arrived.
Northern Nigeria has been repeatedly hit by such attacks in recent years, with armed groups targeting villages for kidnappings, looting, and intimidation. While the motives vary, officials say many of these raids are linked to criminal gangs seeking ransom payments, as well as militant groups exploiting weak security in remote areas.
Local leaders have expressed frustration and grief, calling on the federal government to strengthen security presence and provide better protection for vulnerable communities. Humanitarian organizations warn that continued violence is forcing families to abandon their homes, worsening displacement and poverty in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing security challenges, the latest attack in Niger State serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to restore peace and protect civilian lives.
