Local vigilantes in Kontagora town, Kontagora Local Government of Niger State, have allegedly engaged suspected gunmen in a fierce gun battle, rescuing nine abducted victims.
The bandits were said to have killed one vigilante, while another was injured during the gun duel.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday night between 9 pm and 10 pm.
It was learnt that the gunmen had invaded two communities, Waya and Basawa, and kidnapped the nine individuals.
However, the timely intervention of the vigilantes was said to have saved the day.
According to an eyewitness from the area, the bandits invaded Waya community, where they carried away four persons.
The source disclosed that the gunmen then moved to Basawa community, where they also kidnapped five persons.
The source revealed that the vigilantes in the area swiftly mobilised and engaged the bandits in a battle at Umma Farms, on the outskirts of the town, which resulted in the rescue of the nine persons unhurt.
Newspot further learnt that one of the vigilantes, identified as Aliyu Agaji, was killed, while another was injured during the gun duel between the two sides.
However, efforts to get a reaction from the State Police Command failed, as the Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
