In Nigeria’s central Niger state, ten people were killed, and at least 160 villagers were kidnapped by a large group of armed men, suspected to be members of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram.
Local official Aminu Abdulhamid Najume informed the BBC’s World Service that the attackers invaded Kuchi village on Friday night. The kidnapped individuals were predominantly women and children, while the victims included local hunters who were providing security.
The gunmen, who arrived on motorbikes, spent more than two hours in the village, during which they cooked food, made tea, and looted houses before leaving. Najume, who chairs the Council of the Munya Local Government Area, stated that the Kuchi community is now traumatized and anxious for news about those taken. Amnesty International expressed “deep concern” about the mass abduction on social media.
“The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives,” it said.
“Since 2021 gunmen have been consistently attacking Kuchi village and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes.
“From time to time, the gunmen demand millions of Naira as ransom from the people to avoid being kidnapped.
“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to end these spate of abductions and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. Frequent mass abductions and killings are clear evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.”
Attacks in Niger state have become increasingly common although it has often been unclear if the gunmen have any links to jihadist groups.
Last month several villages were targeted by armed gangs kidnapping for ransom.
