Armed men killed at least 20 people in Nigeria's northwestern Niger state, according to residents and humanitarian reports, with several more abducted. The attack occurred in Niger's Shiroro district, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) or a four-hour drive from the capital, Abuja, an area known for activity by kidnapping gangs and Islamist militants. Official figures from Niger state police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun placed the death toll at three—two community guards and a driver—but local sources, including residents, a health facility, and a community organizing group, reported a significantly higher figure of 20 fatalities.

Beyond the kidnappings, the attackers also destroyed homes, forcing many to flee to neighboring villages. Residents stated that the assailants operated for several hours, overwhelming security forces. Jibrin Isah, a resident of Erena village quoted by the Associated Press, described the attack as a surprise, occurring in the early morning hours when gunmen arrived on motorbikes and opened fire. This incident highlights the severe security challenges in the region, where authorities are grappling with escalating threats from armed groups.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but residents and police blamed Mahmuda, a local jihadist group that broke away from Boko Haram and has since allied with Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Local clergy told AFP that the group attacked victims "indiscriminately," killing Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers alike. This assault is part of a broader pattern of instability in Nigeria's Muslim-majority north, where the country has battled an insurgency for years, posing significant risks to regional stability and civilian safety.

Source: www.dw.com