No fewer than 16 persons have been kidnapped in fresh bandit attacks in Niger.

The incident occurred in Magani and Tungan-Bako communities of Rafi Local Government area of the state at around 11 am on Monday.

Eight villagers were kidnapped at Magami community while six were abducted at Tungan Bako.

The kidnappers stormed the communities, riding on motorcycles and shooting sporadically.

They were said to have gone from house to house, abducting people and dispossessing them of their valuable items.

A source disclosed one of those kidnapped at Tungan- Bako village was released by the bandits to get ransom since none of the victims had phones for the abductors to make contact with their relations.

The communities have lamented the upsurge of daily attacks and kidnappings by bandits, which have made living difficult for them.

A source in Allawa said bandits also attacked Gyaraminya village in Allawa on Monday, adding the attack lasted for about five hours.

Director-General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency, (NSEMA), Mr Ibrahim Inga, confirmed the abduction but refused to give further details.

The Nation