Gunmen Kill 3 Vigilante Members,  Kidnap Several In Niger Community

No fewer than three members of a vigilante group have been killed while some were injured during an attack unleashed by gunmen on Kpada community in Lapai area of Niger State.

A source in Kpada identified as Musa Hussaini, told newsmen that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon, adding that a number of residents were kidnapped.

According to Hussaini, the bandits attacked while the victims were on their farms working, and the attackers burnt down a tractor the farmers were using.

He stated that after the attack, the bandits proceeded to the forest with their victims, which led to the vigilante group members chasing after them.

He explained that while on a search and rescue operation into the forest the three local security operatives, including their commander, were killed.

It was also learnt that three different helicopters were in the last one month seen going round on air around Kpada before the attacks.

The commissioner for Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar who confirmed the incident, advised members of the community not go after the bandits in the forest.

He also said the security agents will help recover the bodies of those slain people.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, the State Police spokesman, DSP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached.