Abductors of worshippers in Maza-Kuka Community, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, have demanded N60 million ransom from families of the victims.
Gunmen had invaded the community in the early hours of yesterday when villagers were observing early morning prayers and killed no fewer than 18 people while several others were kidnapped.
According to Daily Trust, the Chief Imam and five others were abducted.
“They called yesterday, demanding N60 million ransom,” it quoted a source.
“We don’t know what to do for now. Though it is a Friday mosque, the Chief Imam who leads five daily prayers was kidnapped alongside 10 others”.
Meanwhile, Governor Sani Bello has expressed regret over the recent killing of 18 persons and the kidnap of some community members at Mazakuka and Kaboji all in Mashegu.
The Governor stated that the bandits operating in the state was as a result of the offensive in Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states.
“The Bandits run to other states once they feel the pressure of the military. Look at what happened to us in Niger recently, they invaded Shiroro, Munya and Rafi upon been overpowered in Kaduna. Similarly, they invaded, killed and kidnapped many in Sokoto communities”, he added.
He therefore urged the people of the affected communities to provide credible intelligence about the movement of these bandits to the security agencies so that the simultaneous military operation can be successful.
“We must checkmate this new trend, we are talking with the military about it and they are already doing an urgent strategic overview of the situation in order to incorporate a plan in the sustained battle against the bandits. We also urged the affected communities in the state to assist the military with intelligence for effective and successful operations”, he further stated.
