In the last two weeks, no fewer than 73 people have been killed in separate attacks across eight states in Nigeria. These incidents underscore the persistent insecurity in the country, which President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged, particularly noting the impact of North-Western security challenges on the broader nation. Representing Tinubu at a summit in Katsina, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eradicating banditry and terrorism.
An analysis of media reports by Saturday PUNCH highlighted the severity of these attacks. On July 2, 2024, in Benue and Katsina states, 12 people, including Dr. Tiri David, a university lecturer at Federal University, Dutsinma, were killed by gunmen. In Benue, bandits invaded Ayati village, resulting in 11 deaths and sparking violent protests.
Additional incidents include the murder of three people from an IDP camp in Benue, the ambush and killing of five policemen in Katsina on June 30, and a series of attacks on June 29 by suspected female suicide bombers in Borno, resulting in six deaths and multiple injuries. Vice President Shettima updated that the death toll from the Borno attack had reached 32.
Moreover, a rice farmer was killed in Ogun State, a retired Army General was assassinated in Abuja, and a Deputy Vice Chancellor was killed in Sokoto by bandits. Between June 16 and June 17, attacks in Kaduna, Taraba, and Sokoto resulted in 18 deaths. These events reflect the continuing threat posed by bandits and herdsmen across Nigeria.