1 killed, as bandits kidnap Imam, 19 others in Niger

Sad news coming from Niger State has it that no fewer than 20 including an Imam have been kidnapped by bandits while one person was killed.

This, it was gathered, happened during attacks on some communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

A media report says the cleric is the Imam of the Emir’s Palace Mosque identified simply as Mallam Habibu.

It was the first invasion in the area since insurgency started in the state.

An eyewitness said the incident, which occurred about 5.30p.m., last weekend, left three persons critically injured, following a stampede.

“The bandits were many. They rode on motorcycles, carrying sophisticated guns, cutlasses and knives.

“They blocked the road from Ibbi to New Bussa and attacked the villagers going and coming from the markets in both communities and shot sporadically. They killed one person and kidnapped 20 others.

“We did not know that the Imam was among those kidnapped until Sunday morning when they (kidnappers) called the Emir and asked for the payment of N20 million for the release of the Imam,” the witness said.

It was learnt that the bandits could invaded the areas from the National Park forests at Wawa. About 14 bandits reportedly rode through the New Bussa town on Sunday but did not kidnap anyone.

The Emir, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro, summoned an emergency security meeting with all security chiefs in the area on how to secure the release of those kidnapped.

Also, Dantoro will meet with all district and village heads.

At press time, the police reportedly were yet to confirm the incident but the area is said to be quiet and peaceful.