Nigeria (Kaab TV) – Gunmen killed at least 50 people and abducted women and children during an overnight attack on a village in northwestern Nigeria’s Zamfara State, according to authorities and residents.
The assault began late Thursday night and continued into Friday morning in Tungan Dutse village, located in the Bukkuyum area of Zamfara. Armed men arrived on motorcycles, set buildings ablaze, and abducted residents.
“They have been moving from one village to another, leaving at least 50 people dead,” said Hamisu A. Faru, a lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South.
Speaking by phone to Reuters on Friday, Faru said the number of abducted residents remains unclear, as local officials are still compiling lists of the missing.
Residents reported warning signs ahead of the attack.
Abdullahi Sani, 41, said villagers alerted security forces after spotting more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men a day earlier, but no action was taken.
“No one slept last night; we are all in pain,” Sani said, adding that three members of his family were killed in the assault.
Parts of northern and western Nigeria continue to face overlapping security threats, including armed criminal gangs and insurgent groups.
Last week, at least 46 people were killed in raids in the Borgu area of Niger State. The deadliest attack occurred in the village of Konkoso, where at least 38 residents were shot or had their throats slit, according to reports.
The worsening security crisis has prompted increased international involvement.
Nigeria recently expanded security cooperation with the United States after President Donald Trump accused the country of failing to stop the killing of Christians and threatened military intervention.
On December 25, the United States carried out airstrikes in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Earlier this week, Nigeria’s military confirmed the arrival of 100 US soldiers tasked with training local forces.
Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, said the US troops would provide “technical support” and “intelligence sharing” to help combat “terrorist organisations,” along with associated equipment.
He emphasized that US personnel would not engage directly in combat and would operate under Nigerian command while sharing technical expertise.