Prime Business Africa
By Prosper Okoye
Attacks by armed groups have continued across parts of northern Nigeria following US air strikes on militant camps carried out on Christmas Day.
The most recent incident was reported in Niger State, where more than 30 people were killed in an attack on Kasuwan-Daji market in the Demo community, in Borgu Local Government Area. Local residents and security officials said the attack took place on Saturday evening and continued into the early hours of Sunday.
Witnesses said gunmen invaded the community from a nearby national park, operating without resistance. Foodstuffs and other valuables were looted before the market was set on fire. Several residents were also abducted.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack on Sunday. Some residents said dozens of people were tied up and killed, although officials have not released an official casualty figure.
Further attacks were reported in Kano State on the night of 1 January, extending into the early hours of 2 January. The Nigerian Army said bandits attacked Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas but were repelled by troops of the Joint Task Force.
According to military sources, the fleeing attackers were tracked into neighbouring Katsina State, where air strikes were carried out under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The army said the operation inflicted heavy losses on the armed group.
In Kogi State, residents of Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area reported that three people were killed and about 30 others abducted during an attack on the area.
In Kwara State, fear has spread in Aafin community, in Ifelodun Local Government Area, following the abduction of the traditional ruler, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons. The attack on the palace reportedly took place around 8:00pm, with residents saying armed men fired shots before forcing their way inside.
Elsewhere, violence has been reported in Adamawa, Zamfara, Kebbi and Yobe states. In Adamawa, residents said fighters linked to Islamist groups killed villagers in communities near the Sambisa Forest. In Zamfara State, two people were killed and several women abducted in an attack on Sabon-Layi village.
Authorities in Kebbi State confirmed that gunmen killed residents during coordinated attacks on several villages, while in Yobe State the military said a base in Goniri came under attack, though details of casualties were not disclosed.
The Nigerian military has warned civilians to avoid unexploded ordnance and debris following air strikes on militant camps in Sokoto State on 25 December, saying remnants could pose serious danger.
Security operations are continuing across affected areas, with the army reporting the killing of suspected bandits and the arrest of a logistics supplier linked to armed groups during operations in parts of Kogi State.
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