Nigerian villages attacked, over 30 killed

Armed bandits on motorcycles raided three villages in north-western Nigeria, killing at least 30 people and abducting an undetermined number of others. The attacks occurred in Niger state, near the site of a suspected jihadist massacre earlier this month. The bandits shot dead or cut the throats of their victims, lit homes on fire, and targeted villages in a similar style to recent jihadist attacks. The death toll varies between reports, with Reuters stating around 32 and AFP reporting at least 46 killed. The attacks are part of a rising trend of violence in the region, with armed criminal gangs and jihadist groups active in the area. Nigeria's leaders are under pressure to curb the violence, which has also drawn international attention, including a Christmas Day strike by the US targeting Islamist militants.

At least 32 people have been killed in simultaneous attacks by gunmen on three communities in northern Nigeria's Niger state. The attacks occurred in Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, with six deaths reported in Tunga-Makeri and 26 in Konkoso. The region has been plagued by violence from both Islamic militants and armed gangs, with security deteriorating in recent times. The US government has accused Nigerian authorities of not protecting Christians, and the two nations have formed a security partnership, including US military strikes on armed groups in December.

Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 32 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in north-west Nigeria's Niger state early on Saturday. The attacks targeted the communities of Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, and are part of a surge in attacks blamed on 'bandits' who have carried out deadly assaults, abductions for ransom, and displaced communities across northern Nigeria. Residents who escaped the violence described the attackers riding in on motorbikes and shooting indiscriminately. The Nigerian government is under pressure to restore stability as insecurity is a pressing concern in the country.