17 Killed in Armed Attack in Nigeria

October 8, Gusau (Nigeria) (RASS/AFP) — Local authorities reported that an armed gang attacked a mining area and a village in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 17 people, including five mine workers. Dozens of gang members, arriving on motorcycles, opened fire at a mine located outside Bindin village in Maru district, killing five mine workers. Subsequently, gunmen entered the village and clashes with security forces left 12 security personnel dead.

Local village councillor Abdullahi Musa Mutunji confirmed the deaths of 17 individuals and explained that the gang carried out the attack after threatening the mine workers. Lavan Wanjam, whose son was killed in the attack, told AFP that the assault was orchestrated by a leader of a local gang. Rural communities in northwestern and central Nigeria have long been affected by violence perpetrated by armed gangs. These groups frequently raid villages, abduct residents, and loot and burn homes. Workers in informal gold mining areas have been targeted regularly by gangs, who attack laborers to exert control over mining sites and demand shares of the gold.

There has been no immediate response from the military regarding the incident.