A horrific night of violence unfolded in northern Nigeria’s Jangfara State, where armed assailants carried out a deadly rampage across villages, leaving at least fifty people dead. The attacks began on Thursday night and continued into Friday morning, according to local authorities and eyewitnesses.
Reports indicate that more than 150 gunmen, travelling on motorcycles, targeted multiple settlements in a coordinated spree of killings and abductions. The village of Tungan Dutse in the Bukkuyum area was among the worst affected, bearing the brunt of the assailants’ violence.
Before fleeing the scene, the attackers reportedly abducted several women and numerous children, heightening fears of a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Villagers described scenes of chaos, with homes set ablaze and residents kidnapped as the gunmen moved from one village to another.
Bukkuyum South representative Hamisu A. Faru confirmed to reporters that at least fifty people had been killed. He added that the exact number of abducted individuals remained unclear as local authorities continue compiling a list of the missing.
Residents claim there had been warnings of potential violence prior to the assault. Abdullahi Sani, 41, told journalists, “The day before, we spotted more than 150 motorcycles carrying armed men. Villagers alerted security forces, but no measures were taken.” He added, “Yesterday, nobody could sleep; we are all deeply saddened. Three members of my own family were killed in this attack.”
Northern and western regions of Nigeria have been grappling with an upsurge of armed criminal gangs and insurgent attacks. Last week, a separate offensive in the Borgu area of Niger State left at least 46 people dead, with the village of Konkoso reportedly losing 38 residents in the bloodshed.
The escalating crisis has drawn international attention. Nigerian authorities have recently reached out to the United States to strengthen security and conduct targeted operations against the perpetrators. President Donald Trump has reportedly authorised the deployment of over 200 US troops to assist in these efforts.
Summary of Recent Attacks in Northern Nigeria
| Date | Location | Death Toll | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20–21, 2026 | Tungan Dutse, Bukkuyum, Jangfara | 50+ | Villagers abducted; homes set on fire |
| Feb 14–15, 2026 | Konkoso, Borgu, Niger | 38 | Part of wider attacks in the region |
| Feb 14–15, 2026 | Borgu area, Niger | 46 | Total casualties across multiple villages |
The latest wave of attacks underscores the persistent security challenges in northern and western Nigeria, where local communities remain vulnerable despite repeated warnings. Officials continue to call for urgent measures to prevent further tragedies and protect civilians from armed violence.