At least 20 killed in armed attack in northwestern Nigeria

Niger. At least 20 people have been killed and several others abducted following an attack by an armed group in northwestern Nigeria. According to police and local residents, the attack occurred on Tuesday night in villages within the Shiroro district of Niger State.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun stated that gunmen attacked the villages of Bagna and Arena. A clash ensued after security forces arrived, resulting in the deaths of two community security guards and one driver, with others reported injured. However, local residents claim that at least 20 people have died.

According to the residents, the attackers terrorized the villages for several hours, destroying homes and overpowering security personnel. Following the attack, some villagers were forced to flee and seek refuge in the nearby areas of Gwada Jumba and Galadima Kogo.

Nigeria's northern region has long been plagued by kidnapping gangs and Islamic extremist activities. President Bola Tinubu is advancing a proposal to allow the country's 36 states to establish their own police forces to control the violence.