By In a shocking revelation, a local official told CNN that suspected Boko Haram militants not only killed ten people but also abducted more than 160 individuals, including children, during a prolonged raid on Kuchi village in Munya district, Niger state, north-central Nigeria. The attack, which lasted from approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday until 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, highlights the persistent threat of kidnappings and violence in the region.
According to district official Aminu Abdulhamid Najume, around 300 gunmen arrived on motorbikes and stayed for several hours, making themselves at home before departing with the abductees. Disturbingly, Najume reported that the attackers “made a fire to curb the cold because it was raining throughout that day” and even “cooked and made tea; they made Indomie (instant noodles) and spaghetti.”
Some of the victims killed in the attack were members of a local vigilante group who attempted to confront the attackers but were overwhelmed. Najume noted that security forces had not yet initiated rescue operations, with the police only visiting Kuchi on Sunday before leaving without taking further action.
This latest attack marks the fifth time Kuchi village has been targeted, emphasizing the recurring nature of kidnappings for ransom in the area. As of yet, the kidnappers have not made any demands regarding the most recent abduction.
Amnesty International expressed deep concern about the incident on social media platform X, criticizing Nigerian authorities for leaving “rural communities at the mercy of gunmen.” The organization stated that since 2021, gunmen have consistently attacked Kuchi village and subjected women and girls to sexual violence in their own homes. Amnesty condemned the Nigerian authorities’ failure to protect lives, asserting that the invasion of the village by gunmen is yet another indication of this failure.
Nigeria’s security forces have long struggled to control insurgent groups operating in the northern regions of the country. The brazen nature of this latest attack, with gunmen taking their time to cook and make tea while holding an entire village hostage, underscores the urgent need for more effective security measures and protection for vulnerable communities.
As the situation unfolds, the international community and human rights organizations are closely monitoring developments, calling for swift action to secure the release of the abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address the ongoing security challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens in the face of relentless attacks by armed groups.
