About 60 heavily armed bandits over the weekend attacked several communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State and killed four persons, kidnapped 30 and also went away with 250 cattle from the communities.
The invaders who are suspected to be Boko Haram members fleeing from the recaptured Sambisa forest in Borno State reportedly operated with sophisticated weapons, including AK47 rifles, locally made guns, machetes and daggers.
According to a report by Daily Sun, the invaders demanded for ransom, ranging from N2 million to N3 million for the release of each member of the communities.
Mallam Ummah Abubakar, who was among those kidnapped said he managed to escape after the three armed men detailed to guard them, slept off due to fatigue.
He could not ascertain the whereabouts of his two wives, Aisha and Maryamu, and his 10 children that were kidnapped along with him.
Another victim, Maianguwan Kusherki Garba Tanko, narrating his ordeal, said they stole over 200 cows from him and lamented how the women were molested openly.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, could not be reached for comment. Nevertheless, the Chairman of Rafi Local Government Council, Alhaji Gambo Tanko Kagara, who confirmed the incidence, said that he had reported the case to higher authorities.
The council boss however stated that drastic measures must be taken to address the incessant attacks on the communities by gunmen which he said have claimed many lives.
Meanwhile, despite economic recession, President Muhammadu Buhari; his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and others in the Presidency will spend N2.9 billion on honorarium, allowances in 2017, details of the 2017 budget has revealed.