Worshippers’ abductors killed eight victims over ransom delay – Niger LG chair

The Chairman of the Mashegu Local Government Area, Alhaji Alhassan Isah, has said eight of the 19 residents kidnapped by bandits from a mosque in Niger State last month were killed because of delay in ransom payment.

Isah noted that the remaining victims were released after their families paid ransom.

The council boss stated this on Monday while speaking before the judicial commission of inquiry set up by the state government to investigate the killings and abductions in Mazakuka, Kulho, Adogon Malam communities in the council.

He said, “The villagers whose family members were kidnapped were forced to source for the ransom to pay as requested by the bandits so that members of their families would be released to them.”

It will be recalled that worshippers in the mosque were observing their early morning prayers when they were attacked.

About 19 people were killed, while others were abducted by the bandits. About 19 people were killed, while others were abducted by the bandits.

Isah stated that one of the abducted villagers died of shock while being taken to the forest. He said those who sustained gunshot injuries were transported to Kontagora and Kebbi general hospitals for treatment.