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.
Trump says he is open to restrictions on contraception before backing away from the statement
Australian freshwater crayfish bring fresh vitality to rural Xinjiang
China's road logistics price index dips
How China's rest stations for outdoor workers create prospects for new employment forms
Germany and Real Madrid great Toni Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
Family members of mainland fishermen to go to Kinmen after fatal expulsion incident
Latest data shows China's economic resilience
Ice and snow tourism propels NE China into high
New York's high court upholds requiring insurance to cover medically necessary abortions
Cristiano Ronaldo to lead Portugal into record sixth European Championship
People fight desertification in Ningxia, NW China