At least 71 people lost their lives over the weekend in a series of violent incidents across Nigeria, including bandit attacks in Kebbi State, a female suicide bombing in Borno, a mob killing in Plateau, and a deadly explosion in Kano.
Kebbi: 30 Feared Dead in Bandit Attacks
In Kebbi State, authorities confirmed that 30 people were killed in coordinated attacks on Zuru communities by suspected bandits. The assaults occurred in Tadurga, Kyebu, and Yar-Kuka villages within the Zuru Emirate.
Chairmen of Zuru and Danko Wasagu LGAs, Muhammad Gajere and Hussaini Bena, reported 16 deaths in Tadurga and 14 in Kyebu and Yar-Kuka. The attackers also looted livestock and valuables.
During a condolence visit to the affected areas, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Tafida, representing Governor Nasir Idris, pledged intensified security measures, including efforts to block all entry routes into the communities to prevent further attacks. He announced a government donation of ₦50 million—₦25 million each to Tadurga and Kyebu—and offered prayers for the victims.
Borno: Female Suicide Bomber Kills 24 at Food Joint
In Borno State, a female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a crowded food joint in Konduga Local Government Area on Friday night, killing at least 24 people and injuring several others.
Borno State police spokesperson ASP Nahun Daso confirmed the attack, noting that a joint response team comprising security agencies and local hunters was deployed to the scene. No additional explosives were found during a sweep of the area. The injured victims are being treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, while the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Vice President Kashim Shettima condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and senseless.
Plateau: Mob Kills 12 Travellers in Mangu
In Plateau State, 12 travellers from Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, were attacked by a mob in Mangun District of Mangu LGA on Friday evening. Eight corpses have been recovered, while four others remain missing. Eleven survivors sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at Mangu General Hospital.
The victims, including women and children, were travelling in an 18-seater Ahmadu Bello University bus to attend a wedding in Qua’an Pan LGA when they reportedly lost their way around 8 p.m. and were ambushed.
One survivor, Ibrahim Umar, recounted how the mob first killed the driver and then attacked the passengers, also setting the bus on fire.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who visited the victims, described the mob action as “senseless and avoidable,” noting that while Mangun and adjoining areas have suffered terrorist assaults, such lawlessness against innocent travellers was unjustifiable. He assured that full medical care would be provided for the victims at no cost and vowed that perpetrators would face justice.
Governor Mutfwang said he had informed his Kaduna counterpart, Governor Uba Sani, and the Emir of Zazzau about the incident and constituted a delegation to visit the bereaved families in Zaria. He reaffirmed that Plateau remains safe for visitors and condemned any form of reprisal.
Governor Sani also condemned the killings and urged swift action by security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects linked to the attack. Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina, who visited the scene, urged the public to remain calm and avoid retaliatory violence.
Kano: Five Killed in Mortar Bomb Explosion
In Kano State, a suspected explosion involving a military-grade mortar bomb claimed five lives and injured 15 others on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said the blast may have originated from military ordnance being improperly transported, possibly by a trailer from Yobe State. While investigations are ongoing, authorities have yet to determine whether the explosives belonged to military personnel or contractors.
Bakori urged residents to remain calm as a thorough investigation continues.
Nation in Mourning, Calls for Justice
The wave of violence across multiple states has sparked nationwide outrage and grief. Federal and state authorities have condemned the incidents, vowing justice for the victims and greater security measures to protect citizens.
