ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen killed 24 villagers in a remote part of north-central Nigeria, authorities said on Sunday, raising further concerns about the West African nation’s ongoing security challenges. The gunmen arrived at the Akpuuna village in Benue state’s Ukum district on Saturday, shooting dead the villagers before escaping the area, according to Tersoo Kula, the spokesman for Benue state’s governor. Local officials, including legislator Ezra Nyiyongo, said there were at least 24 killed and several others injured. More than 100 people have been killed this year in the violence in Benue alone. His comment re-echoed concerns about the security of villagers in many violent hotspots where the Nigerian security forces are far outnumbered and outgunned.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 10, 2023 02:49 UTC