Bandits – at dawn on Monday – reportedly raided households in Gauraka town, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting residents.
Reports say no fewer than 12 persons were abducted in the raid, which occurred at about 7am.
As they went from house to house, the heavily armed bandits shot indiscriminately, capturing their victims and moving them to unknown locations.
Residents in the local government area enraged by the constant abductions and bandits attacks blocked the Gauraka Abuja-Kaduna highway in protest over the insecurity situation.
The enraged youths went on the rampage as early as 6:00am on Monday, barricading the busy road with bonfire, bricks, and wood, demanding that no one moved until the government tackles the insecurity.
Kidnappers have been operating in the city on a regular basis, abducting many people.
Residents shared their displeasure that bandits have been stealing people from house to house with no help coming from the security agents.
Despite the presence of the military barracks – Zuma Barracks – in the town, residents said they felt helpless and could not get a good night’s sleep.
Vehicles were unable to get through the blockade mounted by the demonstrators.
Some of the community in the area include Gwasunu, Karufe, Kaduna road, Dumex and Suleja.