ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Armed men attacked remote villages in northcentral Nigeria, killing at least a dozen villagers during a late-night raid, authorities said Tuesday.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which follows a similar pattern to yearslong violence in the region blamed on the fight for control over water and land between nomadic herders and rural farmers. These raids have so far killed hundreds in the region.
The local Punch newspaper cited witnesses as saying at least 40 people were killed in Plateau’s Wase district on Monday night. However, government officials told The Associated Press only 12 casualties have so far been confirmed.
It is common for official figures to be less than that of witness accounts in such attacks.
The attackers opened fire on villagers in Wase’s Zurak community, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes, Musa Ashoms, the state commissioner for information said. “We are trying to comb the area to see whether we have more casualties or people with bullet wounds,” he added.
A Canadian serial killer who brought victims to a pig farm is hospitalized after a prison assault
China news: Mystery as Xi Jinping unexpectedly skips key speech
UN suspends aid movements at night in Gaza
Police Minister admits NZ cannot compete with Australian recruitment offer
Emma Hayes' first roster as coach of the US women's team includes 2 first
Teenagers named as victims of Nelson off
Four killed, several injured as race car hits spectators at Hungary rally
Teenagers named as victims of Nelson off
What to stream: Lenny Kravitz, South Park, 'Dune: Part 2'
Buildings shake briefly as earthquake rattles Taiwan