The insecurity affecting some parts of Niger State in North-Central Nigeria has taken another dimension with 16 vigilante members killed and 42 residents kidnapped in separate attacks by terrorists operating in the forest area of Mashegu Local Government Area.
The attacks according to some sources, occurred between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, leaving several communities deserted when the terrorists first stormed Dutsen Magaji village and abducted 22 people.
It was also gathered that when they came on Sunday, the vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle and in the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital.
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However, the attackers were said to have returned at dawn on Thursday, invading Magama village during early morning prayers.
It was also gathered that the terrorists surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people.
Sources added that some vigilantes followed them, not knowing the terrorists had laid an ambush, only to open fire, and kill 13 of them with several others injured.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
