By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
NIGER: A fresh wave of insecurity hit Niger State as gunmen abducted the Council Secretary of Munya Local Government Area, Usman Daina, alongside his wife, two children, and a female neighbor during a late-night attack on Sarkin-Pawa, the council headquarters.
Eyewitnesses said the heavily armed assailants stormed the town around 10 p.m. on Thursday, firing sporadically before heading straight to Daina’s residence. They reportedly killed his guard dog before forcefully taking him and others away.
“It is a sad development. The bandits arrived in large numbers and went directly for the council secretary,” a local source recounted. “One person was killed while trying to escape.”
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack but revealed that Daina was released hours later.
“He was abducted around 10 p.m. but regained his freedom around 3 a.m. today,” said police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun. “Efforts to rescue the remaining victims are ongoing.”
The incident has heightened fears among residents, who have repeatedly called for stronger security measures in the area.