Death toll from armed attack on Nigerian market rises to 50

A brutal attack on a village market in central Nigeria has resulted in a sharply rising death toll, with local sources reporting at least 50 fatalities. The assault occurred on Saturday at the Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Niger state, where armed gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, kidnapped several people, and stole food stocks.

Details of the attack and response

Following the violence, a mass funeral was held for the victims while the wounded received treatment at nearby hospitals. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned the raid, ordering security forces to track down those responsible and secure the release of all abductees. "They are testing the resolve of our nation and must face the full consequences of their criminal actions," Tinubu stated.

A pattern of violence in the region

This incident is the latest in a series of attacks plaguing Niger state, where rural communities are frequently targeted by armed groups operating from forest hideouts. The region has endured significant violence, including a major abduction last November when over 300 students and teachers were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Papiri. While the government eventually secured their release, such incidents highlight persistent security challenges.

A regional and international concern

The ongoing instability in Nigeria's northern and central regions, characterized by attacks from various militant and criminal factions, presents a severe humanitarian and security crisis. For the international community, including nations like Türkiye that are invested in African stability and development, these repeated assaults underscore the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation and effective security strategies to protect civilian lives and ensure basic governance in vulnerable areas.