African Union Condemns Attack That Left Dozens Dead in Northwest Nigeria

The African Union has strongly condemned a recent attack in Zamfara State, in northwestern Nigeria, describing it as a “heinous act of terrorism.” The attack, which occurred on February 21, left more than 50 civilians dead and several women and children abducted.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, issued the condemnation in a statement on behalf of the continental body and called for coordinated collective action to protect civilian populations.

“The AU calls for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children and urges strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilian populations and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities,” the statement said.

The village of Tungan Dutse in Bukkuyum Local Government Area came under renewed attack on Thursday evening. According to local officials, armed men stormed the community, attacking residents from about 5 p.m. until the early hours of Friday.

In a separate development, security forces rescued 21 victims and apprehended four suspects during a coordinated operation targeting a notorious bandit hideout in Katsina State, also located in northwestern Nigeria, highlighting the wider security challenges facing the region.

The operation was led by the Department of State Services (DSS), with support from the Nigerian Army, Police, and Community Watch Corps.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed that the victims; including women and children, were abducted from several locations, with Gidan Sarkin Bayero village in Musawa Local Government Area among the worst affected.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Mu’azu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence.