Seven Killed, Dozens Missing After Gunmen Attack in Northern Nigeria

 

On the night of June 22, 2024, gunmen attacked Maidabino village in the Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The assailants, believed to be armed bandits, arrived on motorcycles, blocking roads and initiating a violent assault that lasted over six hours. At least seven individuals were killed, including two children who were reportedly burned alive. Additionally, more than 100 residents, predominantly women and children, were abducted during the raid. Properties, including shops and vehicles, were set ablaze, and livestock was stolen.

Residents described the attack as swift and overwhelming, with many fleeing into nearby bushes to escape the violence. One local, Hassan Aliyu, recounted, “They spent more than six hours destroying our properties.” Another resident, Auwalu Ismail, stated that the gunmen first blocked all roads leading to Maidabino before launching their attack. He added, “They burnt down our shops, vehicles, and took away our livestock.”

The Katsina State Police confirmed the incident and the deaths but did not provide details on the number of missing persons. Investigations are ongoing, and security forces have been deployed to the area to restore order and search for the abducted individuals.

This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have been targeting rural communities, leading to numerous deaths and abductions. The Nigerian government has pledged to intensify efforts to combat these security challenges.