Rampant Bandit Violence Claims Dozens of Lives and Kidnaps Children in Northern Nigeria

Gunmen in Nigeria have killed dozens of people and kidnapped several children in separate attacks in two northern states. Armed gangs on motorbikes frequently take advantage of thinly stretched security forces in the region to kidnap villagers, motorists and students for ransom. The attacks occurred in northwestern Zamfara state and north central Benue state. Police confirmed the attacks but did not provide details on the number of casualties.