Bandits kill bus driver, abduct eight passengers in Niger

Bandits operating on federal highways in Niger State have shot dead a bus driver and kidnapped eight passengers during an attack.

The bandits, who made contact with family members of the captives, are said to have demanded a N17 million ransom for their freedom.

PUNCH Online learnt on Tuesday that the incident occurred last Saturday.

According to residents, the abducted persons were said to be on their way to the coronation of the chairman of kingmakers and chief priest of Bakarabonde in Borgu Kingdom.

The bandits were said to have set the bus conveying the passengers ablaze after they had concluded their operation.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Sulaiman Yerima, described it as unfortunate.

He also confirmed that the kidnappers had made contact with the families of the captives and demanded N17m as ransom.

The Niger State Police Command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted, said he had made contact with the Borgu Division and was awaiting their report of the incident.

“I am still awaiting a detailed report of the incident. When I get it, I’ll contact you,” he said.

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