Criminals have murdered a minimum of 30 individuals in villages in northwest Nigeria, according to residents.

Armed gunmen on motorcycles killed a minimum of 30 individuals and incinerated residences and businesses during assaults on three communities in Niger State, northwest Nigeria, early on Saturday, as reported by residents who fled the violence to Reuters.

The assaults on villages inside the Borgu Local Government Area, adjacent to the Benin Republic border, constitute a rise in violence attributed to “bandits,” responsible for lethal attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and the displacement of populations throughout northern Nigeria.

Insecurity is a critical issue in Nigeria, and the government faces increasing pressure to reestablish order.

Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State police, verified the assault in a community.Alleged bandits attacked Tunga-Makeri hamlet, resulting in six fatalities, the destruction of several houses by fire, and an undetermined number of abductions,” stated Abiodun.

He stated that the intruders had proceeded to Konkoso village, while specifics on other attacks remained ambiguous.

Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso who sought refuge in a nearby area, reported that the assault on his community commenced in the early hours with intermittent gunshots.Timothy reported that at least 26 individuals have been slain in the hamlet following the arson of the police station, noting that the assailants entered Konkoso at approximately 6 a.m. (0500 GMT), firing indiscriminately.

He stated that residents observed military jets flying above.

A other witness, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the assailants, on over 200 motorbikes, traversed the region, specifically targeting the settlements.

Auwal Ibrahim, a Tunga-Makeri local, described the early-morning attack on his community at around 0200 GMT.