The Nigerian local authorities said that at least 48 people were killed in armed attacks in northwestern Zamfara, according to AFP on Sunday.
These acts of violence are usually attributed to criminal gangs that have been terrorizing central and northwestern Nigeria for years by looting, kidnapping, and killing residents.
“A total of 48 people were killed by the bandits in the three villages (Damri, Sabon Garin, and Kalahe) attacked Friday afternoon,” Aminu Suleiman, administrative head of Bakura district said.
In Damri village alone, the gunmen killed 32 people, including two policemen, according to Suleiman.
The local official added that the bandits attacked a hospital in Damri, where they killed patients, burned a police car, and killed two security personnel.
He mentioned that troops deployed in the area engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to withdraw, Suleiman added.
“We buried 48 people killed in the attacks,” Abubakar Maigoro, a Damri resident, said.
He added that the gunmen went on a shooting spree before looting livestock and food supplies.
Despite military operations and amnesty by the authorities, attacks continue in northwestern and central Nigeria.
