Gunmen kidnap 15, kill 2 others near Niger state

By Hammed Salawu, Minna

Gunmen have kidnapped 15  persons and killed two others in Mangwaro, a neighbouring community between Niger and Kaduna States.

It was learnt that the victims were intercepted on their way from Kaduna at the border community on Tuesday.

 The Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Danjuma Sallau who confirmed the incident on Wednesday said 10 of the victims were from Gwada in Shiroro local government area of Niger, while the remaining five were from Munya Council also Niger state.

It was gathered that there has been tension in Munya, Shiroro and Rafi local government areas of the state following the alleged influx of bandits fleeing military offensive in neighboring Zamfara state to the areas.

Officials of Munya local government area had recently confirmed deployment of security personnel to the forest stretching through the three States of Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger which reportedly served as abode for the fleeing bandits.

Alh Danjuma Sallau who said he was just coming back from Sarkin Pawa.  headquarters of Munya  Local Government area however said a combined team of security agencies of the Army, Police, Civil Defence and Local Vigilante have been drafted to area to track down the kidnappers.

Although he said the kidnappers have not reached out to families of the victims, he however explained that the state government was making efforts to free them.

Alh Danjuma Sallau said he would  be meeting with the state Commissioner of Police Mr Dibal Yakadi over the matter.

He commended the state government and security agencies for the prompt response which led to the deployment of men and officers to the area.

When contacted on the matter Police Public Relations Officer ASP Muhammad Abubakar Dan- Inna also confirmed the deployment, saying the police in collaboration with sister security agencies were already on ground in the area.