Ten people have been killed and at least 160 villagers kidnapped in a remote community in Nigeria’s central Niger state, officials said.
A large number of suspected militants from Nigeria’s militant Islamist group Boko Haram invaded Kutch on Friday night, local official Aminu Abdulhamid Najume told BBC World Service. village.
He said those abducted were mainly women and children, while those killed included local hunters who provided security for the area.
The gunmen reportedly entered Kutch on a motorcycle and even spent time cooking, making tea and robbing houses before leaving after more than two hours.
Mr Najume, chairman of the Muniya Local Government Area Council, said the Kurchi community was traumatized and eager to hear about the abductees.
write on social mediaAmnesty International expressed “deep concern” over the mass kidnappings.
“The incursion of gunmen into villages once again demonstrates the complete failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives,” the report said.
“Since 2021, gunmen have been attacking Kutch villages and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes.
“The gunmen often demand millions of naira in ransom from people to avoid being kidnapped.
“Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to end this series of kidnappings and bring the suspects to justice. Frequent mass kidnappings and killings are clear evidence of the failure of the authorities to protect people.”
Attacks in Niger state are becoming increasingly common, although it is often unclear whether the shooters have any ties to jihadist groups.
Last month, several villages were targeted by armed groups for kidnapping for ransom.
