Kidnappers went on the rampage in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State on Thursday night, abducting eight persons in a single operation, which lasted over an hour.

Among those abducted and still being held are the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government area, Mr. Anthony Francis, as well as Keza ward chairman, Mr. Amos Keza.

The other victims are mostly politicians of the APC extraction, who were returning from a meeting of their local government branch of the party.

The kidnappers lay ambush for their victims at Zagzaga, the same spot where the Divisional Police Officer for the local government area was abducted last November.

Zazzaga community has come under serious attacks from kidnappers in the last one month, leaving three people dead and over N10 million paid as ransom.

The abductors were said to have loaded their victims into a vehicle and driven them right into the bush without any resistance from their unarmed victims.

A few kilometers from the spot where the abduction took place, one of the victims, Umar Alawa, chairman of the APC Kabiru ward was released after being given the beating of his life. He is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

It could not be immediately ascertained why the chairman was beaten and released midway.

The abduction of the eight people was said to have thrown the Sarkin-Pawa community into confusion resulting in people running into the comforts of their houses.

It was gathered that the kidnappers had contacted the families of their victims making demands of between N5m and N13m depending on the political weight of the victims.

Special Adviser to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello in charge of Niger East Senatorial Zone, Mr. Pius Wakili, confirmed the story saying, “As I speak to you, I am in Sarkin-Pawa discussing with the families of the victims”.

Wakili assured the people of the area that: “Government is not relenting in its efforts to protect the lives and property of the people.” He appealed to them to remain calm.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Mohammed Abubakar also confirmed the story. (Saturday Sun)

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