Jihadist Attacks in Nigeria Leave Over 40 Dead Across Villages
Suspected jihadists have slaughtered more than 40 people in a series of brutal attacks across several villages in Nigeria. The violence, which began late on Sunday, has targeted at least nine villages in Kebbi state and neighbouring Niger state, according to a local clergyman who spoke on Wednesday. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the atrocities, but residents and police have pointed the finger at a local jihadist organisation known as Mahmuda.
Clergy Confirm Rising Death Toll
One clergyman, who requested anonymity for security reasons, provided a grim account of the situation. 'In the areas where we have our people, I can confirm that 24 have been killed, but from the reports we are getting today, there are more than 40 killed,' he stated. Another Christian leader corroborated this, estimating the death toll at around 40. 'They killed everybody in sight, they killed Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers. They killed indiscriminately,' he added, describing how the attackers also burnt churches, Muslim houses, livestock, and food barns.
Three Days of Rampaging Violence
The clergyman reported that the attackers had been rampaging through the area 'for the last three days', leaving communities in disarray. 'People can't even go back to bury their dead,' he lamented, highlighting the ongoing danger and disruption. As a result of the violence, at least 500 people have fled their homes and are now being sheltered in churches and schools in Yauri town, located in Kebbi state.
Background of the Mahmuda Group
The Mahmuda group, active in northwest Nigeria, is affiliated with Mahmud al-Nigeri, a senior official in the Ansaru jihadist group. Ansaru itself broke away from the notorious Boko Haram militant group and has since allied with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI). Kebbi state, which sits on Nigeria's border with Benin and Niger, has faced a rising number of jihadist attacks since 2025, according to reports.
Surge in Regional Violence
Conflict monitor ACLED notes a significant surge in violence in the area, carried out by groups affiliated with both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Like other states in northern Nigeria, Kebbi and Niger states contend not only with jihadist attacks but also with criminal groups, locally referred to as 'bandits', who frequently attack villages and take hostages for ransom. This dual threat exacerbates the security challenges faced by residents, leading to widespread fear and displacement.
