Mass Kidnapping and Killings in Nigeria Village Raids

More than 100 people were abducted by armed men during attacks on several villages in the central Nigerian state of Niger. Police also reported that more than 40 people were killed in the violence.

The attackers, who according to available information were wearing military-style clothing, struck the villages of Dekara, Gidan Zana, Sabon Gida and Masaka in the Borgu area after Friday prayers.

Police believe the attacks were carried out by so-called bandits, criminal groups that engage in kidnapping for ransom and looting in parts of Nigeria. Residents reported that the gunmen in Dekara rounded up people and took them to nearby forests, then moved on to other villages.

The security situation in the remote Borgu region has been deteriorating recently. According to local officials, more than 20 people were killed there last week.

In early August, police announced the release of 145 people who had been abducted from four villages in the same area. Borgu is also facing activity by jihadist groups operating in northwestern Nigeria and along the border.

(bbc, lud)