At least 50 people were killed and dozens abducted by gunmen in Nigeria’s Plateau state, residents and a community leader told Reuters on Monday, the latest in a spate of attacks by armed gangs in northern parts of Africa’s most populous nation.
Such attacks are not common in Plateau, in central Nigeria. But the state shares a border with Kaduna state, where suspected bandits – a loose term for gangs of outlaws carrying out robberies and kidnappings – blew up train tracks, killed eight people and kidnapped dozens last month.
Fifteen soldiers were last week killed by gunmen who attacked a Kaduna army base.
“This is again very sad and we strongly condemn it. The security (forces) should ensure the immediate rescue of all abducted persons,” said Jonathan Ishaku, spokesman for Plateau Elders Forum.
He said at least 50 were dead and 70 people, including women and children, were kidnapped from nine villages late on Sunday afternoon.
A spokesman for Plateau Governor Simon Lalong said “many people were killed with houses and properties destroyed”. He did not give a death toll.
He said at least 50 were dead and 70 people, including women and children, were kidnapped from nine villages late on Sunday afternoon.
A spokesman for Plateau Governor Simon Lalong said “many people were killed with houses and properties destroyed”. He did not give a death toll.