A Commissioner in the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Ahmed Mohammed, his driver, and six staff members have been abducted by suspected armed bandits in Niger State.

They were abducted along the Zugurma–Ibbi–New Bussa road.

Also kidnapped in the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday near the Ibbi National Park in Mashegu Local Government Area, was the former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Alhaji Mohammed Bawa Niworu.

The victims were said to be returning to Minna from Borgu in New Bussa when their vehicles were intercepted by bandits.

They were later forcefully taken into the forest.

Passers-by later discovered several abandoned vehicles with their doors wide open.

Inside the vehicles were mobile phones and personal belongings believed to have been left behind by the victims.

It was further gathered that the bandits had earlier attempted to block the road near a police checkpoint but were repelled by tactical operatives in a gun duel.

Though , no life was lost, several policemen sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a nearby health facility.

A commercial driver who plies the route said three Sharon vehicles, loaded with passengers, were driven away by the kidnappers.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger State Command, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, said a police patrol vehicle was riddled with bullets during the exchange of gunfire.

“Some passengers were abducted from three vehicles along the Zugurma–Ibbi–New Bussa road.

“The command has mobilized more tactical teams, in collaboration with other security agencies and vigilante members, to trail the kidnappers, rescue the victims, and apprehend the criminals,” Abiodun stated.