Suspected bandits abduct scores, govt official in Niger

From: Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Suspected bandits in their numbers have abducted scores of motorists including Commissioner seven of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, Ahmed Mohammed, his driver and former SUBEB Chairman, Mohammed Bawa Niworu.
The incident occurred yesterday Monday in the the morning around the Ibbi National Park along Zugurma-Ibbi to New Bussa road in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were said to be returning from Borgu when the incident occurred hence a passersby later spotted their vehicle parked by the roadside while the victims mobile phones were left behind in the vehicle.
It was gathered that the armedmen blocked road ahead police nipping point after attacked along Ibbi-Bussa road, the Police tactical team engaged and repelled the hoodlums, and a policemen sustained gunshot injury who was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
A Sharon driver who ply the route daily told our reporter that three Sharon vehicles with their passengers were abducted to unknown destination during the incident.
When contacted the Niger State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident, said a Police patrol vehicle was damaged with gunshots in the process, adding that they abducted some passengers along the road from about three vehicles.
According to him, the police command has mobilised more tactical teams with other security agencies, and vigilante members trailing the suspected kidnappers with a view to rescue the abducted victims and possible arrest of the hoodlums.