Ten people have been reported dead and about 160 villagers have been abducted from a remote community in Nigeria’s central Niger state.
According to local official, Aminu Abdulhamid Najume, a large group of armed men, suspected to be affiliated with Nigeria’s militant Islamist group Boko Haram, raided Kuchi village on Friday night.
Najume stated that the majority of those abducted were women and children, while among those killed were local hunters who were providing security for the area.
The gunmen allegedly arrived in Kuchi on motorcycles and spent over two hours cooking, making tea, and looting houses before departing.
Najume, chairman of the Council of the Munya Local Government Area, mentioned that the Kuchi community is deeply distressed and eagerly awaiting updates on those taken.
Amnesty International expressed its “deep concern” at the mass abduction on social media.
It said, “The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives.”
Further speaking, it added, “Since 2021 gunmen have been consistently attacking Kuchi village and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes.
“From time to time, the gunmen demand millions of Naira as ransom from the people to avoid being kidnapped.
“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to end these spate of abductions and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. Frequent mass abductions and killings are clear evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.”
Attacks in Niger state have been growing in frequency, with unclear connections to jihadist groups often accompanying the gunmen.
Several villages were targeted last month by armed gangs, engaging in kidnappings for ransom.
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