Niger council boss confirms 8 killed, 160 abducted in community attack

Niger council boss confirms 8 killed, 160 abducted in community attack

The chairman of Munya Local Government of Niger State, Aminu Najume, has confirmed the killing of eight people and the abduction of over 160 in Kuchi ward of the local area on Friday.

He said the deceased include four youths from the area and four members of the vigilante corps.

He added that the abducted people included women and children, lamenting that the community has been deserted.

Mr Najume, who stated this during an interview with an online platform, Tsalle Daya, said bandits invaded the community with 150 motorcycles and sophisticated weapons.

He alleged that the security operatives refused to respond to distress calls put out to them.

“Yes, it is true that Munya local government came under attack by some criminals. It happened in my ward, Kuchi,” he said.

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“As I speak to you, eight people were killed—four youths and four vigilantes. Another person injured during the incident is currently receiving treatment.

“And over 160 people, including females, were abducted. This calamity is too much,” Mr Najume added.

“Each of the bikes had two people on it making 300. These people are not bandits alone, there are ISWAP and Boko Haram members among them.

“They came with sophisticated weapons that made everyone scamper for safety.

“Even animals in Kuchi know that terrorists were in the town.

“They operated for over five hours without any challenge from the security operatives.”

Mr Najume, however, said the issue has been reported to the state government with the hope of a possible rescue.

“We have informed our governor, and I’m sure he will act on our concern. He has earlier ordered the deployment of security agencies to the LGA, and I’m sure he will do the same this time.”

When contacted, the police public relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, didn’t respond to our correspondent’s inquiry into the matter.

Niger council boss confirms 8 killed, 160 abducted in community attack