Gunmen attacked a mining site in Zango City, on the outskirts of Lokoja, resulting in the abduction of two Chinese nationals and the deaths of five Nigerian security personnel.
According to local sources, the gunmen, estimated to be around 20 in number and many of them bearded, stormed the site at approximately 5 pm. The assailants engaged in a 45-minute assault, marked by sporadic gunfire from the hilly range behind Al Azhar International School.
The attack claimed the lives of three vigilante members, identified as Abdulazeez, Tijani, and Yusuf, and two staff members of the mining site. A hunter involved in evacuating the bodies confirmed the identities of the deceased vigilantes and described the scene as gruesome.
Eyewitnesses reported widespread panic among residents. Abdul, a local shop owner, recounted, “Initially, we did not know what was happening, and the gunshots were loud. I had to leave the area along with other people out of fear. This is very bad and worrisome in the state capital. We urge the government to step up security in the state.”
Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, William Anya, for a statement were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
The community remains on edge as authorities continue to investigate the incident and seek the safe return of the kidnapped Chinese nationals.
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