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At least 25 people were killed and an unknown number abducted by gunmen who stormed the village of Yargoje Sunday evening.
The attackers, described by locals as “bandits” and numbering in the dozens, arrived on motorbikes, shooting indiscriminately and looting shops before fleeing with hostages.
Residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity to the BBC, painted a grim picture. One said the death toll could be much higher, with bodies still being recovered from the surrounding bush. They reported casualties including women, children, and men, with over 30 injured and receiving treatment.
Another resident, Abdullahi Yunusa Kankara, described the attack as a relentless onslaught that lasted through the night. He spoke of the village being transformed into a “death zone” with nearly every home affected.
The number of abductees remains unclear, with survivors struggling to determine the extent of the kidnappings.
This attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents plaguing northwest and central Nigeria. In December 2020, over 300 students were kidnapped from a school in the same Katsina state, later released after negotiations with the gunmen. Just this March, dozens of passengers were abducted in another brazen daylight attack, also in Katsina, the home state of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
The violence has raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to address the region’s worsening security situation. Despite claims of efforts to combat widespread insecurity, these attacks continue with devastating consequences for local communities.
President Tinubu Falls on Stage
During an event commemorating Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu, aged 72, took a fall while ascending the steps of a vehicle intended to transport him around Eagle Square in Abuja. He required assistance to regain his footing.
An aide quickly reassured the public, calling the incident a “mild misstep” and confirming that the president continued with the event without further issues. “He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues,” wrote presidential aide Dada Olusegun on social media platform X.
Atiku Abubakar, who was Tinubu’s main rival in the last election, offered his sympathy. “I sincerely sympathize with President Bola Tinubu over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him,” Abubakar expressed on X.
Politician and activist Shehu Sani downplayed the incident, stating that it highlights the president’s humanity. “Not just President Tinubu, anyone alive can trip and fall; it happened to President Biden and Fidel Castro. Presidents are human beings and mortals,” Sani remarked.
While the majority of Nigerians expressed their concern and best wishes for Tinubu, the incident has also reignited discussions about his health, an issue that was brought up by opponents during last year’s closely contested election campaign.
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