Catholic priest killed, 17 others kidnapped in Niger

The Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Minna, Rev.Father John Gbakaan Yaji, who was reportedly kidnapped has been killed by his abductors in Niger state.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened on Friday night in Tufa village along Lambata-Lapai road of the state.

The late Reverend, according to a source, was said to be returning from Lambata where he had attended a religious meeting along with his colleagues, but was kidnapped and killed on his way back to his station.

It was also learnt that late Yaji was kidnapped alongside his younger brother whose whereabout was not known yet as of the time of this report.

Efforts to get the state spokesman of the Police Command, ASP Wasiu Abiodun for confirmation proved abortive, but a Reverend of the Catholic Diocese who preferred anonymity confirmed the story.

’17 kidnapped in three communities’

Meanwhile, 17 people have also been kidnapped by bandits in three communities in Bassa/Kukoki ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The people were kidnapped on Saturday night in Madagwa, Wongo and Marenje communities.

It was learnt that the bandits stormed the town at different times on Saturday night.

It was also gathered that five people were abducted from Wongo and Marenje communities while about seven people were abducted from Madagwa.

The Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki, confirmed the abduction, saying the whereabouts of the victims were yet to be identified.

He described the abductions as disheartening and unfortunate, saying “it is unfair that the locals have been left to their fate.

Kokki lamented that kidnappings and other related criminal activities have become the order of the day in the entire Rafi and Shiroro Local Governments areas of Niger State.

Also, about 20 other people, who were on their way to Madaka market, were said to have been kidnapped by the bandits from Duguru in Madaka Ward of Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State on Thursday.