BREAKING: Gunmen Kidnap Passengers, Including Former SUBEB Chairman, in Niger State

A group of armed gunmen have kidnapped multiple travellers in Niger State, 

 The attack occurred along the Ibbi–Bussa road in the Mokwa–New Bussa axis after the assailants ambushed a highway and engaged in a shootout with police officers.

Among those abducted is Alhaji Bawa Niworo, a former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB). 

Reports indicate that he, along with others—including a lawyer identified as Barrister Ahmad—were en route to Minna, the state capital, when their convoy was intercepted and they were taken into a nearby forest.

According to local sources, the victims also include several traders who were returning from a weekly market in New Bussa. The attack reportedly took place on Monday near the Ibbi area in Mashegu Local Government Area.

It is suspected that the gunmen had crossed into Niger State from neighboring Kwara State before launching the assault.

Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident, stating:

“Some gunmen attacked a police checkpoint along the Ibbi–Bussa road. The police team engaged them in a gun battle and repelled the initial assault.”

He added that during the confrontation, a police patrol vehicle was damaged and one officer sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

“Unfortunately, the fleeing gunmen later blocked the road further ahead and kidnapped passengers from about three vehicles,” Abiodun said.

In response, the police have deployed reinforcement teams in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes to track down the attackers, rescue the abducted individuals, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Residents of farming communities in Mariga, Magama, Kontagora, Mashegu, Borgu and Rijau LGAs in the Niger North Senatorial District of Niger State have continued to flee their homes for the past five days due to renewed attacks on their communities and constant movement of bandits in the area for the past five days

In the early hours of Tuesday, residents informed dailytrust correspondent that over 200 armed bandits stormed Ibeto, a community in Magama Local Government Area, prompting widespread panic and forcing people to flee.

Aaccording to dailytrust correspondance women and children making their way through dark paths using torchlights as they escaped during the night.

“On Monday night, the bandits moved into several communities, including Dogon-Daji, Ugulu, Maira, Atabo, and Ibeto. They also attacked Lioji village before advancing toward Maira, Ugulu, Atabo, and Ibeto again. In Atabo, many residents were abducted after the attackers failed to find cattle to steal,” the resident reported.