Gunmen Attack Three Villages in Northwestern Nigeria, Kill at Least 30

Armed gunmen on motorcycles attacked three villages in northwestern Nigeria’s Niger State, killing at least 30 people and burning homes. Many residents remain missing, and some were abducted. The raids highlight growing insecurity in northern Nigeria from both jihadists and armed gangs. Nigerian authorities rejected US claims that Christians are being targeted, emphasizing the violence affects all communities, while the US has supported Nigeria with airstrikes and a security team.

Armed gunmen on motorcycles carried out coordinated attacks on three villages in northwestern Nigeria on Saturday, leaving at least 30 people dead, according to police reports and local residents. The raids occurred in the early hours of the morning in the communities of Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, all situated in Niger State. These villages are part of the Borgu region, which lies along the border with Kwara State, an area that witnessed a deadly attack earlier this month in which Islamist militants killed over 160 people.
The attack comes amid a growing wave of insecurity in northern Nigeria, where communities face threats from both jihadist groups and armed gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, who often kidnap residents for ransom. Witnesses and authorities reported that several homes were set on fire during Saturday’s raids, leaving families displaced and communities in fear.
Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State police, confirmed the assault on Tunga-Makeri, stating, “Suspected bandits invaded Tunga-Makeri village … six persons lost their lives, some houses were also set ablaze.” He added that an as-yet undetermined number of people had been abducted. Abiodun also confirmed that Konkoso was attacked, but he provided no additional details about casualties or abductions. Many residents remain missing, raising fears that the reported death toll could increase as authorities continue to investigate the full impact of the raids.
In recent months, Nigeria has faced international scrutiny after US President Donald Trump claimed, without evidence, that Christians in the country were being persecuted and were victims of a genocide carried out by terrorists. Nigerian authorities have rejected these claims, noting that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims alike, and emphasizing that the conflict is largely driven by criminal gangs and insurgent groups rather than religious targeting.
The allegations from the United States led to the signing of a security agreement between the two countries. In December, US forces conducted airstrikes against armed groups operating within Nigerian territory, and a US military team has been deployed in the country to provide assistance with counterterrorism efforts. These actions are part of broader efforts to support Nigerian authorities in addressing the persistent threats posed by armed gangs and militant groups in the northern regions.
The recent attacks underscore the continued challenges facing local communities, as residents struggle with the threat of violence, displacement, and abductions. Authorities are calling for vigilance and community cooperation to combat the ongoing insecurity, while humanitarian organizations continue to provide support to those affected by the raids. The situation highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to restore safety and stability in areas vulnerable to armed attacks.