At Least 30 Dead After Armed Attack on Nigerian Village

At least 30 people, including eight children, died Sunday night after unidentified armed men attacked the village of Naridon in Nigeria's north-central Kaduna state. Local government sources confirmed the fatalities on Monday, with fears the death toll could rise as some of the injured are in critical condition.

The assault began around 11 p.m. local time, with attackers storming the village and firing indiscriminately. They also set fire to dozens of homes and businesses in Naridon, located within the Kauru local government area. A community spokesperson reported that the lack of paved roads in the area, bordering Plateau state, hampered residents' escape and delayed the arrival of assistance.

Residents stated the attack lasted for three hours without intervention from security forces, despite military and police detachments being stationed approximately two kilometers away. Neither the Kaduna state police nor national authorities have issued an official statement regarding the incident. Nigeria, particularly its central and northwestern states, faces persistent insecurity from criminal gangs, often referred to as "bandits," who engage in mass assaults and kidnappings for ransom. These groups are sometimes labeled as "terrorists" by authorities, adding to the complex security challenges in the region.

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We have confirmed the death of 30 people, but we fear the number could increase because some of the injured are in critical condition.