Gunmen attack Niger village, kidnap ’50 residents’

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 50 residents in an attack on Kuchi village in Munya LGA of Niger state.

According to a statement by Yusuf Kokki, convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths in Niger, the gunmen invaded the village around 2am on Friday.

Kokki said the gunmen invaded the village in large numbers while it was raining, and that they conducted their operation going from one house to another.

He said the gunmen are currently trapped with the abducted persons at Dangunu river owing to the overflow of water from the heavy rainfall.

“Confirmed reports emanating from Kuchi, Munya local government area, Niger State indicate that, terrorists in their large numbers invaded the town in the midnight which resulted in mass abduction of people,” the statement reads.

“My investigation further revealed that, they (terrorists) stormed the town around 2am while it was raining, instantly launched house to house operation and assembled their victims for onward movement to their enclave.

“Though, at the moment, there is no report of any casualty but the estimated number of people kidnapped is put at about fifty (50).

“However, the rampaging terrorists alongside their captives are reported to have been trapped without access to proceed with their journey as a result of a nearby Dangunu River that has overflow its banks arising from heavy downpour.

The convener asked the government to mobilise security operatives to the village to restore peace and arrest the criminals.

“Reinforcement is immediately needed at the moment to fiercely engage them at their exit route where they are currently stranded. Mobilize able-bodied vigilantes to the scene. The authorities concerned should swing into action and do the needful,” he added.