At Least 47 Killed in Separate Attacks Across Nigeria

At least 47 people have been killed in a series of coordinated attacks by armed groups across Benue, Katsina, and Kwara states in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-Western regions.

In Katsina State, assailants attacked the Doma community in Tafoki Ward of Faskari Local Government Area, killing at least 20 residents. The Chairman of Faskari Local Government, Surajo Aliyu, confirmed the incident, describing it as a deadly reprisal attack and one of the worst recorded in recent months.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved unhindered through the community, shooting residents and setting houses and vehicles ablaze before fleeing.

In the North-Central states of Kwara and Benue, at least 27 people were killed in separate incidents. In Kwara State, bandits attacked the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing at least 10 villagers. The attackers were reportedly operating from the Borgu National Park forest in neighbouring Niger State before invading the communities at about 6:00 p.m., firing sporadically and burning homes.

In Benue State, at least 17 people, including a mobile police officer, were killed during an attack on Abande market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area. Witnesses said the assailants opened fire on traders and residents, killing several people on the spot.

The attacks were confirmed by state police authorities and community leaders in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the United States announced on Wednesday that it had deployed a “small team” of troops to Nigeria’s most volatile regions following renewed joint security cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Violent attacks across Nigeria have triggered widespread panic and displaced thousands of people, while disrupting farming activities in rural communities. Authorities have continued to assure residents of efforts to restore security and prevent further violence.