Armed bandits massacre 45 villagers in Nigeria

Forty-five people died in an attack by armed bandits in northern Nigeria, civilian militia members said yesterday, amid growing levels of rural violence.

“The 45 bodies – including children – were found scattered in the bush. The bandits pursued residents who mobilised to defend the village,” said an unnamed vigilante.

“The attackers were from neighbouring Zamfara state who, have been terrorising Birnin Gwari area.”