Two Dead, 14 Abducted As Gunmen Attacks Niger Communities

Gunmen have reportedly killed two persons and abducted 14 others during separate attacks on communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger.

Salis Sabo, spokesperson of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA), revealed in a statement that one person was killed, while three others were abducted during an attack along Gwada and Kuta roads on Sunday.

“It was around 11:30 am when bandits stormed some communities surrounding Gwada town, a few kilometres away from Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro local government,” the statement reads.

“The terrorists launched a coordinated attack on innocent people moving unchallenged from one village to another for more than 5 hours in broad daylight.

“One person has been reported dead and one other abducted in Chiri. A woman and her daughter-in-law were also abducted in Bmanape community.

“The attack is believed to have been masterminded to rustle cattle. However, while trying to move the unruly cattle to their destination, the bandits blocked the highway at Egwa village where many innocent victims were caught in the web.

“Out of panic, a motorist had an accident along Egwa-Kuta road. He is presently receiving treatment at Gwada. Similarly, the council chairman of Shiroro local government narrowly escaped the attack on the same road.”

In a separate attack on Sunday, gunmen were said to have invaded Abaga, a village in Shiroro LGA of Niger.

Confirming the attack on Monday, Kabiru Muhammed, a traditional title holder in Erena, said one person was killed, while 11 others were abducted during the attack.