At least 42 people have reportedly been killed in separate attacks across Zamfara, Plateau and Benue, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

The attacks, believed to have been carried out by armed assailants, reportedly targeted rural communities, leaving several residents dead while many others sustained injuries or fled their homes.

Local sources and security officials said the incidents occurred in different communities across the three states, with properties also destroyed during the violence.

In some of the affected areas, residents were said to have abandoned their homes over fears of further attacks, while security operatives and emergency responders were deployed to restore calm.

The latest killings have again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing several regions in Nigeria, particularly in communities affected by banditry, communal violence and armed attacks.

Community leaders and residents have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and prevent recurring violence in vulnerable areas.

Authorities are yet to provide a full breakdown of casualties and arrests linked to the incidents, but investigations and security operations are reportedly ongoing.

The attacks have also triggered renewed calls for stronger security coordination and improved intelligence gathering to address the growing threat of violent attacks across the country.