Gunmen Kidnap 3 Chinese Workers In Niger, Kill 2 Vigilantes

Yet-to-be identified gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted three Chinese working at the Zungeru Hydro Power Electrification.

In the same horrific incident, two members of a vigilante group were killed, while one other Chinese and a local worker sustained bullet injuries during the attack.

The incident occurred at the Sino-Hydro Power Dam along Gussase Village in Zungeru at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to sources, the gunmen stormed the Zungeru power project and overpowered the vigilantes who tried to resist the attack.

The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane confirmed the kidnap incident but did not confirm the number of deaths that were recorded.

The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the attack, saying that it was carried out by bandits.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said some Chinese expatriates and local members of staff were attacked while working on the transmission line tower along Gussase Village.

He said the police tactical team attached to the facility engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

Abiodun said four of the expatriates were rescued, adding that one of them and a local member of staff sustained bullet injuries and have been taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

He also added that three of the Chinese workers could not be accounted for at present. He stated that the joint police/military tactical teams at Zungeru are already on an aggressive manhunt of the hoodlums to rescue the abducted expatriates.