Terrorists have abducted 50 persons from Kuchi, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

Co-convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths of Niger State, Sani Kokki, who disclosed this in a public statement explained that the abduction occurred while it rained at 2am on Friday.

“Confirmed reports indicate that terrorists in large numbers invaded the town in the midnight which resulted in mass abduction of people.

Kokki said the terrorists went from house to house picking their victims while it rained.

“They stormed the town around 2am. While it was raining, they launched house to house operation and assembled their victims for onward movement to their enclave,” the statement read.

He further stated that there were no death recorded, giving an estimated of those abducted as 50.

“Though, at the moment, there is no report of any casualty but the estimated number of people kidnapped is put at about 50,” Kokki stressed.

Kokki also stated that the terrorists and their victims had been trapped by an overflowing river as a result of the downpour.

“However, the rampaging terrorists alongside their captives are reported to have been trapped without access to continue with their journey as a result of a nearby Dangunu River that has overflowed its banks arising from the downpour”.

Contacted, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, confirmed the abductions, adding that security operative had responded.

“Security operatives have responded since around 5am and we are waiting for the report,” he emphasised.

On the number of persons abducted, Umar stated that the number couldn’t be ascertained as many of the residents fled.

Meanwhile, nine of the victims had been rescued.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the state Commissioner of Police, Bala Kuryas, said on Friday in Minna that a joint security taskforce, including members of the vigilante, rescued the victims unhurt.

He said that the victims had since been united with their loved ones.

Kuryas stated, ”We have put in place sensitive security measures that will deal with any unforeseen circumstances in our area of supervisions.’’

Punch