Armed men attacked a village in northwestern Zamfara state, killing at least 50 people and kidnapping an unknown number of women and children, according to a local lawmaker on Friday.
Hamisu A. Faru, the representative for Bukkuyum South in the state assembly, said the attackers struck Tungan Dutse village late Thursday and continued until early Friday.
He said homes were burned and people trying to flee were shot.
“They moved from one community to another, leaving behind devastation and at least 50 dead,” Faru told reporters by phone.
He also said that traditional leaders and local officials were still trying to find out how many people had been taken.
Police in Zamfara have not yet responded to requests for comment.
ResidentResidents described terrifying scenes. Abdullahi Sani, 41, said three of his relatives were killed. “Nobody slept last night. We are all grieving,” he said.
According to Sani, residents alerted security forces a day earlier after spotting more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men.
He claimed the warnings were ignored, leaving the community vulnerable to the overnight assault.
