Gunmen Kill 12 People, Abduct Women and Children in Northwestern Nigeria

Gunmen Kill 12 People, Abduct Women and Children in Northwestern Nigeria
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At least 12 people were killed, several others injured, and a number of women and children abducted after armed assailants attacked a village in northwestern Nigeria, according to local residents.

Witnesses told Reuters that the attackers stormed Lajinge village in Sokoto State late on Saturday night. During the assault, six members of the same family were reportedly burned to death after the gunmen set their home on fire.

Residents said the attack began at around 11:00 p.m. local time and continued until approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday. In addition to the killings and abductions, the attackers stole a large number of livestock.

A local resident, Ouwal Hassan, told Reuters by telephone that at least 12 people were killed, four others were wounded, and several women and children were taken hostage during the raid.

Sokoto State Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai said authorities have launched an investigation into the attack and will announce the findings once inquiries are completed.

Northwestern Nigeria has experienced repeated attacks by heavily armed criminal gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, who frequently raid rural communities, abduct residents for ransom, and steal livestock.

The latest attack comes just one week after at least 24 farmers were reportedly killed in a similar assault in the neighboring Zamfara State.