Unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped over 100 people in Shadadi town in Niger State, after killing 8 and leaving 4 injured.
A source, who spoke with BBC Hausa Service, said more than 1, 000 gunmen who perpetrated the act attacked the town on Wednesday.
The attack comes just days after the State governor, Abubakar Bello, confirmed the activity of Boko Haram militants in the State.
The worst place affected by the latest attack is Shadadi town, under Mariga local government area, where eyewitnesses said thousands of residents have fled the town after the incident.
According to some residents, people who were killed and kidnapped from Wednesday’s attack are up to 100 but the State government said those who were kidnapped are lesser than that.
An eyewitness from another town said the gunmen had arrived in large numbers and started shooting sporadically at the people, killing 8 people instantly, while 4 persons sustained injuries.
The resident stated that most of the people in the town have now relocated to neighbouring towns, including Kontagora.
However, the Niger State Information Commissioner, Sani Idris, who confirmed the incident to the BBC, said the number of those killed and kidnapped is not up to 100 as eyewitnesses claimed.
He further stated that the government is still compiling the figures and that the State government is seeking the Federal Government’s assistance regarding the worsening insecurity situation bedeviling the State.
As of the time of filing this report, it is not clear if the attack was carried out by bandits or Boko Haram militants, however, both parties have yet to take responsibility for the attack.
Recall that recently, the State governor said Boko Haram terrorists hoisted their flag in a part of the State.
