‘One killed, several abducted’ as gunmen attack communities in Niger state

Gunmen have attacked villages in Shiroro and Munya LGA of Niger state, reportedly killing one person, abducting several residents, and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.

According to Zagazola Makama, the counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the attack in Shiroro LGA occurred around 2:15pm on February 22, when armed men on motorcycles invaded Kutako Makera and Galadiman-Kogo villages.

Makama said the assailants shot dead Bansi Kutako, a 75-year-old, before kidnapping several villagers and stealing cattle.

In a separate attack, the publication detailed that gunmen invaded Hayin-Dogo village in Munya LGA at about 3:50am on February 23, abducting five residents, including two women.

“The kidnapped victims have been identified as Adamu Danfulani, Umar Sanda, Murtala Tailor, Aisha Rabiu, and 26-year-old Ramatu Murtala,” Makama said.

“Joint security forces, including the military, police, vigilantes, and DSS special hunters, have been deployed to track the criminals, rescue the abducted persons, and recover stolen livestock.

“The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.”