At least 220 killed this year in attacks in Nigerian state

ABUJA, Nigeria

At least 220 people have been killed in attacks on communities in Nigeria’s Niger state since the start of this year, the state’s governor announced late Tuesday.

Abubakar Sani Bello revealed the information to reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in the capital Abuja.

More than 50 attacks were carried out in the state from Jan. 1-17, said Bello.

He noted that more than 200 people were also kidnapped during the period, including three Chinese nationals.

Bello suggested that the gunmen were operating not only in Niger state but also in the states near it.

"What I realize is that these terrorists have been taking us on a merry-go-round. They are moving from one state to another," he said.

The Nigerian government will continue to do what it can to combat these terrorists, he added.

Motorcycling was recently banned in some states because armed men have been preparing attacks using them.

*Writing by Merve Berker