Local media reports on Monday said that a large group of armed men raided Kuchi village on Friday night and that most of those abducted were women and children, while local hunters who were providing security for the area were among the persons killed.
The reports added that the gunmen allegedly arrived in Kuchi on motorcycles and spent over two hours looting houses before departing.
According to the reports, the Chairman of the Council of Munya Local Government Area, said that the Kuchi community was deeply distressed and eagerly awaiting updates on those taken hostage.
Meanwhile, the Amnesty International has expressed its “deep concern” at the mass abduction on social media.
“The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives.
“Since 2021 gunmen have been consistently attacking Kuchi village and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes.
“From time to time, the gunmen demand millions of Naira as ransom from the people to avoid being kidnapped.
“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to end these spate of abductions and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. Frequent mass abductions and killings are clear evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people,” it said.
It will be recalled that attacks in Niger state have been growing in frequency, with unclear connections to jihadist groups often accompanying the gunmen.
GIK/APA