Nigeria village burned, residents shot in deadly raids

Residents of Zamfara, north-western Nigeria, are living in terror following brutal raids by armed gangs, locally known as bandits. One survivor recounted how attackers set her village on fire and shot those attempting to flee. The coordinated assault on Bia Buki village in June, which began at 2:00 AM, resulted in the deaths of approximately 70 people, including children, and left many injured.

The violence, characterized by swift attacks by heavily armed groups often arriving on numerous motorcycles, has led to mass displacement. The United Nations estimates that around 800,000 Nigerians have been forced to leave their homes in the north-west region. While some militant Islamist groups are active, the majority of attacks are attributed to these bandit gangs.

Government-backed vigilante groups have formed to combat the escalating threat, with some reporting success in neutralizing bandits. However, the pattern of violence and abductions appears to be worsening and spreading southward, leaving communities like Fatima's vulnerable and fearful.