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Gunmen abduct worshippers from mosque in Niger State
Gunmen have abducted an unspecified number of worshippers shortly after Juma’at prayers on Friday in Niger State.
The armed men were said to have stormed Dekara community in Borgu local government area, rounding up residents who had gathered at Kpenya Mosque, after first attacking Gidan-Zana and Kpenya villages.
Chairman of Borgu LGA, Nasiru Abdullahi who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, said Dekara, Gidan-Zana, Sabon Gida and Masata were affected by the attack.
He noted that though the local government was coordinating with security agencies, it was still too early to establish the exact number of people abducted as of the time of the interview.
He expressed optimism at the potential rescue of affected residents by the military and other security agencies.
A witness who spoke to newsmen was quoted to have said: “Soon after finishing the normal Friday prayer, the armed group of Lakuwara, in their hundreds, wielding guns, knives and machetes, began to attack us.
“They slaughtered some of our people, saying we are not practicing the true teachings of Islam.”
Spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun said in a statement that the attack occurred at about 2pm on Friday.
“The developing report indicated that no life was lost, while joint security detachment has been deployed to the area for assessment and rescue operations,” Abiodun said.
The attack has generated concerns over the security situation in Borgu communities.
Details later…
