By The Pak Global Pakistan:
At least 50 people were killed and numerous women and children abducted in a brutal overnight assault on Tungan Dutse village in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, officials and residents reported. The attack began late Thursday night and extended into Friday morning as armed gunmen on motorcycles set fire to homes and seized residents.
“They have been moving from one village to another … leaving at least 50 people dead,” said Hamisu A Faru, a local lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South. The exact number of abducted individuals remains unclear as authorities continue compiling lists of the missing.
Residents warned security forces a day before the attack after spotting over 150 motorcycles carrying armed militants, but no preventive action was taken. Abdullahi Sani, a local resident, expressed the anguish felt by the community: “No one slept yesterday; we are all in pain.” He sadly added that three members of his family were among those killed.
This violent incident is part of a growing wave of insecurity that has engulfed northern and western Nigeria, where criminal gangs and rebel groups frequently conduct deadly raids. Just last week, 46 people lost their lives in similar attacks in Niger State’s Borgu area, with one village reporting 38 residents shot or killed.
The escalating violence has prompted increased international cooperation. Nigeria recently expanded security ties with the United States after President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from such attacks and hinted at possible military intervention.
On December 25, the US conducted coordinated airstrikes in Sokoto State, northern Nigeria, targeting militant groups. Additionally, Nigeria’s military confirmed the arrival of 100 US soldiers tasked with providing training, intelligence sharing, and technical support to Nigerian forces. However, these US personnel will not engage in direct combat and will operate under Nigerian command, according to Defense Headquarters spokesperson Samaila Uba.
The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective security measures to protect vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s troubled regions.