Bandits Storm Minna Suburb, Kidnap 2 Persons

The Yuletide season’s attacks by armed bandits took its toll Niger State on Sunday with the kidnapping of two persons at Tassapma area of Maitumbi, a suburb of Minna, the State capital.

The banditry attack, which left several people injured, caused anxiety among Minna residents, as gunshots rang out within the neighbourhood.

According to police sources, the incident took place at about 11pm on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

Confirmed reports said the attack occurred about 48 hours after a group of criminal gangs attacked Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area of the state and kidnapped 17 people.

Eyewitness account said the gangsters, who invaded the community through Pyata Hills, relied on powerful flashlight in gaining entry into the helpless community.

According to reliable sources, apprehensive about the strange movements within the area, some youths, on their way home that night, alerted vigilantes about their suspicions.

The reports said vigilance committee members quickly mobilised themselves to confront and chase away the bandits.

The Nation reported that as the daredevil bandits drew closer, they began shooting with intensity after seeing the vigilance group members, leading to the injury of some of the vigilantes and abduction of others.

One of the kidnapped victims is believed to be the head of the local vigilante in the community and is yet to be seen after the attack.

It was also gathered that the kidnappers have demanded N5million ransom from the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, the injured are said to be receiving treatment at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, just as most residents, who fled to nearby Maitumbi Primary School, are yet to return home.

Chairman of the local government, Abubakar Gomma, who confirmed the incident, said residents were relocating from the community for fear of another attack.

Gomma was on hand to visit the victims at the Primary School, accompanied by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mamman Musa and the lawmaker representing Bosso Constituency in the House of Assembly, Malik Madaki.

While expressing concern about the attack, the Chairman assured the council would continue to collaborate with security agencies to protect lives and property in the area.