Deadly Attack in Nigeria: Gunmen Kill 21, Kidnap Residents, Say Witnesses
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, March 22 (Reuters) – In northwest Niger state, gunmen unleashed a deadly assault at a bustling market, claiming the lives of at least 21 individuals, according to local residents and a traditional leader. The attack, perpetrated by armed gangs, adds to the wave of violence plaguing the region.
Alhaji Isah Bawale, a traditional leader from Niger state’s Madaka rural community, recounted how the gunmen stormed the market on Thursday, indiscriminately opening fire and causing chaos. “They didn’t spare anyone, they killed and abducted people,” stated Bawale, noting that authorities are currently compiling information on the casualties and those missing.
Multiple witnesses corroborated the grim toll of the attack, with Abdulganiyu Aliyu asserting, “As I speak to you, about 21 persons have been confirmed killed.” Aliyu described how the assailants proceeded to set ablaze shops, vehicles, and even a clinic within the market area.
Hussaini Hasan, a market trader, confirmed the death toll of 21 individuals and highlighted the additional tragedy of women and children being kidnapped during the violence.
Although the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the attack, he refrained from providing specific details.
The incident adds to the alarming trend of kidnappings perpetrated by criminal gangs in northern Nigeria, where ransom demands have become routine occurrences. Families and communities are torn apart as they scramble to gather funds to secure the release of their loved ones, often resorting to selling off assets such as land, livestock, and crops to meet the exorbitant demands imposed by the kidnappers.
