Gunmen have killed dozens of people, including 11 members of the security forces, during two separate attacks in central and northern Nigeria over the weekend, authorities in the most populous African country have said.
Central and northwestern Nigeria has for years been the scene of incessant armed gang attacks, generally referred to by the authorities as bandits – “gang elements”, or “bandits” – who infiltrate villages, commit animal theft, looting , kidnappings for ransom and murder. In recent months, the violent episodes of the genre have multiplied.
The two attacks came after President Mohammad Bukhari urged authorities to crack down on gangs, which have recently been described as “terrorist” organizations by his government, deploying an army.
In the first attack on Saturday, more than 100 gunmen on motorcycles attacked the Galandiman Congo community in Siroro district, Niger (centrally) Governor Sani Bello explained in a press release.
“The terrorists, more than 100 in number, invaded the community in broad daylight, killing 11 members of a security force operation unit and several villagers, while injuring many others,” Bello said. “Our patience has really run out with these gangs (…). “We will use all possible means to put an end to these bloody, relentless attacks on the innocent.”
Numerous attackers were also killed in clashes with security forces, while hundreds of villagers were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring communities, always according to the governor.
Mr Bello said “large-scale military operations” approved by President Bukhari would be launched immediately in three areas where “bandits” have taken refuge.
In a second attack on Sunday, gunmen stormed the Christian-majority village of Kourmin Masara in the Zangon Kataf district, killing 11 civilians and setting fire to more than 30 houses, said Samuel Arwan, a North Korean state security commissioner. ).
According to him, several villagers were injured by bullets.
The perpetrators also tried to attack special forces that were sent on the spot to put an end to the attack, but the ambush they set up failed, Mr. Arvan added.
In the neighboring state of Zamfara (northwest), police announced Monday that they had rescued 32 people who had been abducted in various incidents in the states of Niger, Katsina and Zamfara. Some were held hostage for about two months.
President Bukhari, whose second and final term ends next year, has come under increasing criticism for his inability to end the scourge of violence, especially gang attacks.
Last Thursday, he assured members of communities besieged by criminals that he was “more determined than ever” to “rid” Nigeria of “these illegals”, assuring that the military was “well equipped to deal effectively with these enemies of humanity”. .
For now, however, the military operations and amnesties that are being announced do not seem to be putting an end to the wave of violence.
Analysts say the possible alliances between the “gangs” and the jihadists, who have been waging a guerrilla war in northeastern Nigeria for 13 years, are a source of growing concern.
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