Questions Raised After Deadly Attack in Nigeria
In a tragic incident on Sunday, police in Nigeria reported that armed attackers targeted a market in the rural area of Niger state, resulting in the death of over 30 people. Many others were also kidnapped during the raid, according to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun.
The attack took place at around 4:30 PM on Saturday in the Daji market, located in the village of Demo. It was noted that the assailants, who arrived on motorcycles, not only opened fire but also set fire to market stalls and stole food supplies.
Local residents indicated that this attack followed earlier assaults on nearby villages, such as Agwarra and Borgu, that began the day before. One witness, Dauda Shakulle, who was injured while escaping, expressed concern over the lack of security in the area, stating, “We are currently recovering corpses.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend in Nigeria, where violence, especially targeted at Christians, has been escalating. In recent weeks, there have been multiple kidnappings, including the abduction of 25 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Niger state.
Sister Mary Barron, the leader of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, expressed gratitude to the global community for their prayers and support during the abduction crisis, highlighting the strength of collective advocacy.
As insecurity continues to rise in northern Nigeria, the United Nations World Food Programme warns that nearly 35 million people may face severe food shortages during the upcoming lean season. Without intervention, this could worsen the situation, allowing extremist groups to gain more control amid rising desperation.
The Nigerian Police Force has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the latest attack.
