Terrorists attack Niger villages, killing number of villagers, kidnap priest and others

Terrorists stormed various communities in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State between Sunday afternoon and early Monday morning, killing an unknown number of residents.
The terrorists also seized a Catholic priest, Rev. Leo Raphael Ozigi, and several clerics who were returning to Minna after a Sunday service in one of the settlements when they were ambushed by the militants.

This is despite the fact that the terrorists have apparently established a camp in Kuchi town.

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The bandits are said to have raided Chibani, Injita, Tsohon Kabula Jesso, Gini, and Gunu.
According to the evidence, the shooters rode on more than 50 motorbikes, all of which were equipped with sophisticated weapons.
It was later discovered that they had barricaded the bridge connecting the local government area with Shiroro Local Government, from whence they operated.
The Catholic priest and several priests ran into the shooters when they were on the bridge, which led to their kidnapping.

The terrorists traveled to Chibane, where they set up camp and conducted assaults on the neighborhoods, according to information obtained from the bridge.
According to an eyewitness, they smashed through many doors, robbed food barns and businesses, and made off with various products.
He said that, despite the presence of a military and other security installations at Sarkinpawa, the local government’s headquarters, there was no counter-offensive against the terrorists.

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Mr. James Jagaba, the Secretary of Munya Local Government, confirmed the event in a telephone conversation on Monday, adding the terrorists had been working undisturbed for many hours and “even now they are still there.”
“No one can tell you how many people have already been slain or abducted.” Jagaba remarked, “All I know is that there are casualties.”
When reached, Mr. Emmanuel Umar, the Commissioner for Local Government and Internal Security, acknowledged the occurrence and said a statement will be released shortly.
Rev. Mathias Echioda, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, verified the kidnapping of the Catholic priest and others.