District head, several residents abducted as bandits attack Niger community

Bandits have abducted Abdullahi Zaure, district head of Dugge village, Rijau LGA of Niger state.

Sultan Alhaji, a resident of the community, told TheCable on Sunday that the incident occurred at about 11am on Wednesday.

Alhaji said several residents were also abducted from neighbouring villages during the attack.

“I was in the village when the incident occurred. It happened at about 11 am about four days ago but we got the information about their invasion at about 8am on that day. We heard the bandits were on their way coming to attack our village,” he said.

“They actually abducted many residents including the district head of Dugge village, Abdullahi Zaure. Ibrahim Zaure, the son of the village head, is currently the councillor of the ward. I cannot tell the exact number of people kidnapped because they were plenty.”

TheCable understands that the bandits have demanded ransom for the release of the abducted residents.

“After their operation in Dugge village, they went from one ward to another abducting the residents. They are demanding ransom for the release of all the persons abducted including the district head,” Alhaji said.

When contacted, Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the incident and promised to get back with more details on the attack.

Emmanuel Umar, Niger commissioner for internal security and humanitarian affairs, said he would have more information when the military operation in the area is concluded.