Nigeria Gang Raid Death Toll Rises To 135

The number of people killed by gunmen in a series of raids on several villages in Nigeria’s central Plateau state has also risen to more than 130. Gunmen on dozens of motorbikes attacked at least four remote villages in the Kanam area on Sunday, shooting people dead including children and young men. A traditional ruler in the area

told the media that 135 villagers were among the dead. He said 16 members of a self-help vigilante group were also killed. Police and the local officials confirmed the deadly attack but did not specify the casualty figures. The attackers also stole livestock and then burnt

down dozens of homes. Hundreds of people have also been displaced and some are missing after the attack. Residents are complaining that security forces took nearly 24 hours to arrive after the raid. They say this is also the worst violence they’ve ever known in that area. Nigeria is grappling with a wave of violence by armed gangs who frequently carry out killings and kidnappings for ransom mostly in unprotected rural communities