Current:Home > MarketsAt least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria’s conflict-hit north -MacroWatch
At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria’s conflict-hit north
View
Date:2025-04-17 21:15:58
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Armed men attacked remote villages in northcentral Nigeria, killing at least a dozen villagers during a late-night raid, authorities said Tuesday.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which follows a similar pattern to yearslong violence in the region blamed on the fight for control over water and land between nomadic herders and rural farmers. These raids have so far killed hundreds in the region.
The local Punch newspaper cited witnesses as saying at least 40 people were killed in Plateau’s Wase district on Monday night. However, government officials told The Associated Press only 12 casualties have so far been confirmed.
It is common for official figures to be less than that of witness accounts in such attacks.
The attackers opened fire on villagers in Wase’s Zurak community, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes, Musa Ashoms, the state commissioner for information said. “We are trying to comb the area to see whether we have more casualties or people with bullet wounds,” he added.
The motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked the village following a security operation that targeted their hideouts and aimed to “wipe” them out of the area, Idris Wase, a federal legislator from Plateau’s Wase district said.
Locals have repeatedly expressed concern over how the assailants can attack villages for hours and escape before security forces arrive on the scene.
Arrests following such attacks are rare.
In December, assailants killed at least 140 residents during an attack that targeted more than a dozen communities over two days.
veryGood! (697)
Related
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen's 35-Year Age Gap Roasted by Jimmy Kimmel at 2024 Oscars
- Two National Guard soldiers, Border Patrol agent identified after deadly helicopter crash
- Jimmy Kimmel talks about that Trump dig at star-studded after party; Billie Eilish rocks socks
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Vanessa Hudgens reveals baby bump on Oscars red carpet
- At US universities, record numbers of Indian students seek brighter prospects — and overseas jobs
- Selma Blair Rocks Bra Top During 2024 Oscars Party Outing Amid Multiple Sclerosis Battle
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- At US universities, record numbers of Indian students seek brighter prospects — and overseas jobs
Ranking
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Florida rivals ask courts to stop online sports gambling off tribal lands
- Why All Eyes Were on Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan at 2024 Oscars Vanity Fair After Party
- Robert Downey Jr. Credits His Terrible Childhood for First Oscar Win
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, March 10, 2024
- Josef Newgarden opens 2024 IndyCar season with dominating win in St. Petersburg Grand Prix
- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Make Surprise Appearance at Madonna's Oscars 2024 After-Party
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Israel-Hamas conflict reaches Oscars red carpet as Hollywood stars wear red pins in support of cease-fire
The Relatable Reason Jamie Lee Curtis Left the 2024 Oscars Ceremony Mid-Show
US probes complaints that automatic emergency braking comes on for no reason in 2 Honda models
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Why All Eyes Were on Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan at 2024 Oscars Vanity Fair After Party
Kamilla Cardoso embarrasses South Carolina but sting will be fleeting
Who won best picture at the Oscars? Al Pacino's announcement sparks confusion