Armed bandits have killed a vigilante leader and abducted seven people in separate attacks on two communities in Niger State.
The incidents took place on October 3, 2025, in Dukku and Shafini villages located in Rijau and Magama local government areas.
Witnesses said the first attack happened around 9:20 p.m. when heavily armed bandits stormed Dukku village in Rijau and kidnapped one Alhaji Sodangi Mohammed and six others. The victims were taken to an unknown location.
Security officials said search and rescue operations have begun to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
Earlier that day, around 11:00 a.m., a group of vigilantes from Auna and Shafini villages, led by their chairman, 40-year-old Yusuf Hamidu, ran into bandits during a patrol.
A gunfight broke out, and Hamidu was shot. He was taken to the General Hospital in Nasko, where doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.
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