A raid by armed gangs in the north-central state of Nigeria has led to the killing of 30 people and the kidnapping of several others, local police said on Sunday, according to the AFP news agency.
This is the same state where hundreds of schoolchildren were kidnapped late last year.
The gangs, known locally as ‘bandits’, attacked Kasuwan Daji village in Kabe District of Niger State and set the market on fire before looting shops.
“More than 30 victims were killed in the attack, some persons were also kidnapped,” Wasiu Abiodun, a spokesman for the Niger Police, was quoted by the news agency as saying during the raid on Saturday.
Some of the victims of the violence had their hands tied behind their backs before being killed, according to pictures and videos seen by AFP.
A history of gang violence in Nigeria
Gangs in the north-west and north of Nigeria regularly carry out robberies and mass kidnappings for ransom.
Niger State has been the worst affected by such violence in recent months.
In November 2025, more than 250 students were captured from a Catholic school by armed gangs in Niger State. A few weeks later, authorities announced that the children had been released in two batches. However, there was no official word on whether a ransom was paid to the kidnappers.
Sunday’s attacks took place less than 20 kilometers from the village of Papiri, where a mass kidnapping took place in November. The Catholic Church in the area said more than 40 people died in the incident, higher than the official toll given by police.
“Reports indicate that the bandits operated for hours without the presence of security,” the Catholic Church in Kontagora said on its Facebook page.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more details.
