Armed men on Thursday morning attacked Kagara town, the headquarters of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, killing one person and kidnapped nine others.
Among those taken away is the wife of the Education Secretary of Chanchaga Local Government council, Alhaji Lawal Balarabe, along her one-week-old baby.
Three grandchildren of a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, late Alhaji Tanko Inga, were also said to be among those captured by the bandits.
THISDAY learnt that several people were wounded in the raid which lasted for many hours and into the early hours of the day.
One of those injured was described as a retired staff nurse with the General Hospital in the town who was shot in the leg.
It was gathered that the bandits stormed the local government headquarters riding on 27 motorcycles and shooting sporadically making the residents to scamper for safety even in the thick of the dark.
“They went from house to house knocking on the doors for the occupants to open the doors for them.
“The doors to houses not opened were forced opened and the occupants beaten mercilessly before their property was made away with,” an eyewitness told THISDAY.
According to reports, the operation by the bandits started late on Wednesday at Uregi town a few kilometres from Kagara where several people were kidnapped and hundreds of cattle rustled.
A community leader in the area, who confirmed the story on condition of anonymity, said: “Three of my cousins are among those kidnapped
“We are tired of this daily invasion. We cannot do anything with peace of mind. We are always afraid that we will be attacked.”
Efforts to get the Niger State Emergency Management Agency officials were abortive as their lines were not going through.
Several calls also made to the state Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, were not returned.
Ekohotblog reports that the Yoruba Obas Forum, composed of royal fathers from across Yoruba land,…
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has suspended two key officials over allegations of misconduct and…
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr.…