Armed bandits in Niger State are suspected of killing at least two people and kidnapping unspecified numbers of travelers in Tashar Amale, Rafi local government area.
The incident reportedly took place on Friday, the day before the presidential and national assembly elections.
The assailants entered Tashar Amale and intermittently fired into the air at some Muslim believers who were in attendance for Jumaat prayers.
Several worshipers are claimed to have scrambled for safety as a result of the incident.
It was also reliably learnt that the journey of the state governor Abubakar Sani Bello and his convoy on Friday to participate in the elections in Kontagora his home town was disrupted by the activities of the gunmen in the area.
It was gathered that the vehicle conveying the travellers, including men, women and children was set on fire by the bandits before they were snatched to an unconfirmed location.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane said the government is yet to ascertain the actual number of persons abducted by the gunmen at the time of filling in this report