…Police station burnt
Following series of abductions in Niger State, some residents of Gauraka community, Tafa LGA yesterday morning blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway to express their displeasure over the incessant cases of kidnapping in the community.
This followed an alleged attack by gunmen on Angwan-Wazobia community yesterday, where six locals were reportedly abducted by the assailants.
Gauraka community is located along Abuja-Kaduna highway.
During the protests, the protesters burned tyres as they called for improved security in the area, as well as an end to incessant attacks on their community. They lamented that no fewer than 15 locals have been abducted between Saturday and Sunday, and three others have lost their lives.
The protesters halted the movement of traffic on the highway while burning tyres to create a scene.
According to residents, about 30 persons from the community are currently in the kidnappers’ den, and that their abductors are demanding a huge ransom.
They said when the community informed a nearby police station about the incident, they were told that there was no ammunition and vehicle to repel the attack.
The residents said they decided to protest to ask the government to come to their rescue in Niger State.
The Police Command, while confirming the incident to newsmen, however said the number of abducted persons was six and not thirty.
According to its Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, a police station was burnt amidst the protest by residents.
Abiodun noted that the Command had deployed operatives in the area, but he blamed the protesters for the attack on the Police outpost.
