Gunmen invade village in Nigeria, kill 30 people

At least 30 people, including eight children, were killed after heavily gunmen attacked Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria, residents said on Monday.

The attackers reportedly entered the community shortly before midnight, opening fire on residents and setting several houses on fire before fleeing the area. Witnesses said the assault left widespread destruction and forced many residents to flee for safety.

Dogon Rana, secretary to the village head, said the gunmen shot at people indiscriminately and burned multiple homes during the raid. He confirmed that eight children were among those killed, while at least four other people suffered injuries and were taken for treatment.

Another resident and youth leader, Ishaya Dawa, said the attackers targeted women, children and elderly residents. According to him, some victims were killed inside their homes, while others lost their lives while trying to escape. He added that the bodies had been taken to a nearby mortuary.

Residents said security personnel arrived several hours after the attackers had left the village. Kaduna State Police spokesperson Mansur Hassan said authorities would provide further information as investigations continue.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Northwestern and north-central Nigeria have experienced repeated assaults by heavily armed criminal gangs that raid rural communities, killing residents, kidnapping victims for ransom and destroying property. Authorities have not confirmed the motive behind the latest attack.

SOURCE: Reuters