At least 21 people were killed and several others injured when armed attackers invaded Binper community in Bwai District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Tuesday.
The attack, which occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning, reportedly affected residents, including women and children.
Residents said the attackers stormed Binper and opened fire on people, leaving several others injured. The exact circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the assailants were not immediately clear.
The attack followed a similar assault on residents of Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu Local Government Area of the state on Sunday. Several people were killed and houses were reportedly destroyed in the attack.
28 killed in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, at least 28 people were reportedly killed when suspected terrorists attacked Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area on Sunday evening.
Among those killed was Imam Aliyu, the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, according to reports.
The attack has further raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Kebbe and other parts of the state.
Benue communities also attacked
In Benue State, suspected gunmen invaded communities in Ukum Local Government Area on Sunday, killing residents and injuring others.
The affected communities included Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen in Mbazun Ward.
Reports on the casualties have varied, with some sources putting the death toll at five and others reporting as many as 10 people killed.
The Benue State Government condemned the attack and vowed to strengthen efforts to protect communities in the area.
The latest violence adds to a string of deadly attacks recorded in Benue in recent weeks.
Security situation spreads across northern communities
The attacks in Plateau, Sokoto and Benue highlight the continuing vulnerability of rural communities across Nigeria’s North and Middle Belt.
In Sokoto, residents have faced repeated attacks, including raids on communities and farmlands. Earlier this month, residents in parts of Sokoto reported several attacks that forced families to abandon their homes.
A recent report by Premium Times said two people were killed in an attack on Gandi community, while residents described repeated raids in surrounding areas.
The violence has also affected security personnel. In neighbouring Kebbi State, 10 police officers and two civilians were reportedly killed during a battle with a large armed group around Makuku in Sakaba Local Government Area on August 10.
