Niger: Terrorists kill village head, abduct three in community

Armed gunmen have allegedly killed the village Head of Mulo community in Mashegu local government area of Niger State, Mallam Usman Garba in the custody of his kidnappers.

It was gathered that the village head including three other members of the community was kidnapped by the terrorists on Thursday.

Garba was said to have been killed a little distance after his abduction and his corpse discarded while the terrorists continued on their journey.

Confirming the development, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Services, Emmanuel Bagna Umar during a security briefing with journalists on Friday lamented the gruesome murder of the village head.

He explained that even though, the security situation across the state has reduced, there are still some threats and pockets of attacks in some communities, particularly in Mashegu, Mariga, and Kontagora LGs.

Umar disclosed that the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has directed all security agencies to come out in full force to flush out the terrorists and completely eradicate the security challenges in three LGs.

He also assured the residents of the state of a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration, noting that the security agencies would increase patrol and visibility to tackle any attack or terror incident.

“We are providing a call number for communities and residents. If there is any movement or sighting of any act of terror or any criminals, the communities should dial 07031964389.”

He, however, called on communities to liaise with the security apparatus around them their areas by drawing their attention to anything that will lead to a threat to the lives of the people.