Armed bandits have abducted seven people from Ajatayi and Gogala villages in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State around 3 a.m. on Thursday, with the assailants targeting residents in a swift and coordinated assault.
According to Zagazola Makama, among the victims is Mr. James Daudu, a former Councillor of Kwaki Ward, who was taken from Ajatayi village. In Gogala village, the kidnappers seized Mrs. Ayeisalo Luka, Mrs. Laminde Luka, Mrs. Luma Luka, Mr. Jacob Noma, Mr. Emmanuel Yohana, Mr. Sunday Jacob, and Mr. Maza Yohana. The bandits, described as arriving in large numbers, left the communities in fear and uncertainty.
Local sources confirmed that security forces have been deployed to the area, with ongoing efforts to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators. “Security forces had been mobilised to the area, adding that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims unhurt and arrest the perpetrators,” the sources told Zagazola.
Residents are calling for stronger measures to curb the rising tide of violence and ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
Authorities are yet to release further details on the operation, but the community remains on edge as they await news of the victims’ fate.