Niger state: Armed gunmen attacked two villages in Niger state in north central Nigeria, leaving many people feared dead and several others displaced, according to residents and local authorities.
The attack took place early in the morning when the assailants arrived on motorbikes and opened fire on villagers in Bagna and Erena communities. Witnesses said the attackers moved from house to house, shooting and forcing people to flee for safety.
Local residents reported that more than 20 people were killed in the violence. However, police officials confirmed a lower number of deaths, saying at least three people, including members of a local vigilante group, had been killed. The difference in figures reflects the difficulty of confirming casualties in remote areas.
Many families have now fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby communities as fear spreads across the region. Several houses were also damaged during the attack.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where rural communities continue to face repeated attacks. In recent weeks, similar violence has been reported in several states, including Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna, with dozens of people killed.
Security experts say the attacks are often carried out by armed gangs or bandits, although some incidents are also linked to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and factions connected to the Islamic State.
The violence is driven by a mix of factors, including disputes over land, ethnic tensions, and weak security presence in remote areas. Attackers are able to strike quickly and escape using motorbikes, making it difficult for security forces to respond in time.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to restore calm, but residents continue to live in fear as attacks become more frequent across the region.