8 dead, dozens abducted as gunmen storm town in Nigeria

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) – Gunmen attacked a town in central Nigeria late on Wednesday, killing at least eight people and abducting dozens more.

At least four people were hurt when attackers stormed the town of Shadadi in Niger State.

According to the BBC Hausa Service, residents said more than 100 people have been abducted in the attack, a figure that was rejected by government officials.

Alhaji Sani Idris, the state’s information commissioner, said the government and security agencies are still assessing the situation and trying to ascertain the exact figures.

Alhaji Adamu Inuwa, a resident of the area, said scores of residents had fled to take refuge in neighboring areas such as Kontagora.

Niger State has witnessed an uptick in such attacks over recent months, with some 10 of the state’s 25 local government areas virtually under siege by bandits, including Shiroro, Munya, Kagara, Rafi, Mashegu, and Paiko.

In April, Governor Sani Bello said over 3,000 residents of Shiroro and Munya were displaced as Boko Haram terrorists took over communities in the two areas.