At Least 20 Killed in Gunmen Attack in Northwestern Nigeria

Gunmen killed at least 20 people in the mining village of Gobirawa Chali, Zamfara state, Nigeria. The assailants attacked around midday, starting at a gold-mining site. Amnesty International raised concerns about ongoing violence and kidnappings in the region, indicating a crisis that remains unresolved.

In a violent escalation in northwestern Nigeria, armed assailants have killed at least 20 individuals and left dozens more injured in the village of Gobirawa Chali, located in Zamfara state. This incident, reported by a rights organization, Amnesty International, occurred around midday on Thursday. The attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, executed a brutal house-to-house assault, suggesting a targeted campaign of violence against the civilian population.

Initial reports indicate that the gunmen first attacked a gold-mining site where they murdered 14 people before proceeding to discover additional victims inside residential homes and a mosque. The motivation behind the attack remains elusive, yet this region is infamous for bandit groups that engage in mass killings and kidnappings for ransom. Many of these criminal entities comprise former herders who have clashed with settled groups, contributing to ongoing chaos in the area.

Furthermore, the lack of robust security in this mineral-rich part of Nigeria has allowed numerous armed groups to operate with relative impunity, frequently attacking villages and travelers on major roads. In their post, Amnesty International emphasized the pervasive atmosphere of fear among residents, stating, “The people of Dan Gulbi district have been repeatedly attacked by gunmen and continue to live perpetually in fear of a potential attack.”

This violent incident follows a similar pattern, as last December gunmen kidnapped at least 50 individuals, including women and children, in the Maradun area of Zamfara. The alarming trend of kidnappings has turned into a lucrative venture for criminal rings, facilitating further crime and establishing control over local communities in this turmoil-ridden region.

The recent attacks in Zamfara state highlight the persistent danger posed by armed groups in northwestern Nigeria. With a growing number of casualties and increasing kidnappings, the residents live in constant fear. The situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect these vulnerable populations from ongoing violence and instability.

Original Source: www.newsday.com