At least 35 dead as bandits raid Nigerian village

Bandits attacked a remote village in central Nigeria’s Kwara state, setting fire to buildings and shops, killing at least 35 people, a state politician said.

It was the deadliest attack recorded this year in the region bordering Niger state, which has increasingly been targeted by armed gangs.

Villagers fled into the surrounding bushes when gunmen attacked Woro, Saidu Baba Ahmed told Reuters.

He said several people were still missing Wednesday morning.

Banditry and armed attacks on rural communities have increased in northwestern and north-central Nigeria in recent years as gangs raid villages, kidnap residents and pillage livestock.

Kwara reported an increase in attacks near the border with Niger state.