No fewer than 42 people have been killed in separate violent attacks across Zamfara State, Benue State and Plateau State, with several travellers also abducted by gunmen.
30 Feared Dead in Zamfara Ambush
In Zamfara State, suspected bandits reportedly killed at least 30 people after ambushing commuters travelling along the Magami-Dansadau road in the Dansadau axis of the state.
According to a security report prepared for the United Nations and seen by AFP, the victims included civilians, local hunters and members of a community protection guard.
A resident of Magami, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the attack occurred on Sunday between 4 a.m. and 5 p.m. when armed men opened fire on vehicles moving along the route.
The source explained that commuters had waited for several hours for security escorts before departing for Dansadau when the convoy came under attack near Dogosatsin village.
“The bandits opened fire on the operational vehicle escorting the commuters, killing security personnel, civilians and CJTF members,” the resident said.
He added that 10 bodies had so far been recovered while several injured victims remained hospitalised in Magami awaiting evacuation to Gusau. An unspecified number of travellers were also abducted during the assault.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Zamfara, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident but said casualty figures were still being verified.
The Gusau-Magami-Dansadau road has remained notorious for repeated bandit attacks and kidnappings.
Suspected Cult Clash Leaves 10 Dead in Makurdi
In Makurdi, at least 10 people were reportedly killed during violent clashes between suspected rival cult groups in the Wurukum and High-Level areas of the city.
Residents said the attacks occurred between late Sunday night and early Monday morning, forcing many people to flee their homes in fear.
An eyewitness said armed youths riding motorcycles invaded parts of the town, including Owerri Street and Onitsha Street, targeting victims in their homes.
“At Owerri Street, they shot a man sitting outside with friends. On Onitsha Street, they killed a popular shoemaker near City Bay,” the witness said.
The source added that eight others were later killed in a house in the High-Level area, with some victims allegedly caught in the crossfire.
Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Keffi, condemned the killings, describing them as “ugly, pathetic and condemnable.”
Meanwhile, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the attack but said six deaths had been officially recorded by the command.
Two Killed in Plateau Community Attack
In Plateau State, two youths were killed after gunmen attacked Kyeng village in Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area on Sunday night.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association identified the victims as Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19.
According to the group, the attackers stormed the community around 8 p.m., shooting sporadically before fleeing into nearby bushes.
The association condemned the killings and called on security agencies to arrest those responsible and prevent further attacks in Plateau communities.
It also urged government authorities to take stronger measures against the persistent violence affecting local communities in the state.
