Local Civilian Guards Killed by Islamist Militants…Nigeria Reacts to New U.S. Tariff on Exports…Nigeria Deploys Emergency Aid After Plateau Massacres…Thousands Displaced as Fire Destroys Nigerian Villages
● Lakurawa Terrorists Down 16 Community Defenders in Kebbi
No fewer than 13 community patrol members were killed over the weekend by suspected Lakurawa militants during an attack on Morai, a village in Kebbi State, northwest Nigeria.
The incident was in Augie County after the armed group stormed the village and rustled livestock. According to a resident, Malam Ibrahim Augie, the slain patrol members had attempted to ambush the militants to retrieve the stolen cattle.
“The vigilantes hid to attack and recapture the rustled cattle, but they didn’t know the Lakurawa had already seen them and they were shot and killed,” Augie told Daily Trust.
However, the police later said that the assault took place in the villages of Tungan Taura and Tungan Ladan, also in Augie, and involved the same group of militants. Daily Trust reported a lower toll of 13 fatalities, whereas authorities said 16 people were killed.
● Nigeria Scrambles to Limit Damage from New U.S. Trade Tariff
The Nigerian government has responded to a new 14 percent tariff the U.S. is placing on Nigerian exports. President Donald Trump announced the tariff during a “Make America Wealthy Again” event at the White House last Wednesday, calling it part of his plan to fix unfair trade practices.
Nigeria exports about $5–6 billion to the U.S. each year—mostly oil and gas. Some non-oil products such as fertilizer and farm goods could now face extra costs, which may hurt small businesses.
In a statement Sunday, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Jumoke Oduwole, acknowledged the implication of the tariff. “A new 10 percent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. for businesses in the non-oil sector,” she said.
Oduwole said the country is in talks with U.S. officials and the World Trade Organization to manage the situation. She said Nigeria values its trade ties with the United States but is also working to open new markets and boost trade within Africa to reduce reliance on any single trading partner and to protect local businesses from global trade shocks.
● Nigerian Government Launches Relief Mission After Mass Killings
At least 52 people were killed and more than 1,800 displaced in a series of deadly attacks by gunmen in Plateau State, northcentral Nigeria, according to emergency officials. The assaults took place between March 27 and April 2 across six villages in Bokkos County.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State authorities said Sunday they had begun a rapid damage assessment and are finalizing plans to distribute federal relief supplies. The effort follows a directive from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide swift assistance.
Three displacement camps have been set up in Daffo, Hurti, and Gwande, while many survivors are being sheltered by residents. Officials said five people remain missing, and two critically injured victims are being treated at Plateau Specialist Hospital.
NEMA’s director general is expected to arrive in the state to oversee coordination of relief operations. The security situation remains tense.
● Fire Leaves 3 Dead, 3,000 Homeless in Northeastern Nigeria
A fire tore through the Kalari settlement in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State on Sunday, killing three people and displacing more than 3,000, according to local officials and media reports.
The blaze, which began around 1:00 p.m. local time, destroyed over 1,500 thatched homes across three villages in Konduga county.
Nigerian military forces and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force responded to the scene, administering first aid and transporting the injured to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital.
Local leaders, including the Konduga council chairman and Borno State’s commissioner for environment, joined in coordinating immediate relief efforts. The Borno State Emergency Management Agency is appealing for urgent humanitarian aid.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
