Gunmen Kill 20 in Nigerian Mining Town Amid Ongoing Violence in Zamfara
Armed men attacked a mining village in Zamfara state, Nigeria, killing at least 20 people. The assault was characterized by a house-to-house shooting spree starting at a gold-mining site. Amnesty International reported that the violence reflects ongoing threats from bandit groups, which engage in kidnappings and mass killings due to a weak security presence in the region.
At least 20 people have been killed in the mining village of Gobirawa Chali, located in the Dan Gulbi district of Nigeria’s Zamfara state. The attack, which occurred around midday Thursday, was confirmed by Amnesty International, stating that armed assailants arrived on motorcycles and conducted a brutal house-to-house assault. Many were injured in the attack, highlighting a woman’s fear of living in such violence-stricken conditions.
The gunmen targeted various locations, starting at a gold-mining site where they reportedly killed 14 individuals initially. Following the assault, more bodies were discovered inside homes and even in a mosque, raising concerns over the possibility of indiscriminate violence. The motive behind the attack remains murky, but it’s not unusual for bandit groups in the area to carry out mass killings.
The region is notorious for ongoing violence primarily attributed to bandit groups, which often engage in kidnappings for ransom and other heinous actions, preying on the insecurity plaguing this northern part of Nigeria. Local residents, many of whom have witnessed repeated assaults, live in constant fear, as noted by a spokesperson from Amnesty International.
These armed groups, many of which have roots as former herders, exploit the limited security presence in northwest Nigeria to conduct their raids on villages and along critical roads. Just last December, a similar pattern of violence occurred when gunmen abducted at least 50 residents, including women and children, in the Maradun area of Zamfara. The cycle of violence and abduction has turned into a reliable source of income for these criminal elements, as they control local communities through fear and manipulation.
The recent attack in the mining town of Gobirawa Chali underscores the ongoing violence gripping Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara state. Armed groups continue to threaten the safety of residents, with mass killings and kidnappings becoming tragically common. The lack of security and persistent fear among the local populace highlight the urgent need for intervention. Measures must be taken to address this destabilizing issue in order to protect communities in the region.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
