Panic grips Niger state as gunmen attack communities, kill 21, kidnap 40

In another onslaught on the Shiroro communities in Niger state, at least 40 people have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits.

The attack, which happened on Tuesday, February 2, also saw 21 people killed as about three hundred gunmen on motorcycles stormed the communities, The Punch reports.

Legit.ng gathers that the incident occurred at Kurege, Sabon Gida, Sararai and Rafin Kanya villages of Shiroro local government area.

An eyewitness who spoke to media said bandits may take over the affected communities if the government does not take a solid measure.

In his reaction, secretary to the Niger state government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, confirmed the bandit attack, though denied knowledge of the actual number of casualties.

Matane maintained that Niger government is doing everything possible within its powers to address the problem of insecurity in the state.