Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Minna, John Gbakaan Yaji, who was earlier kidnapped has been killed by his abductors in Niger state.

The incident happened on Friday night in Tufa village along Lambata-Lapai road of the state.

The late Reverend, according to a source, was said to be returning from Lambata where he had attended a religious meeting along with his colleagues, but was kidnapped and killed on his way back to his station.

It was also learnt that late Yaji was kidnapped alongside his younger brother whose whereabout was not known yet as of the time of this report.

Efforts to get the state spokesman of the Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun for confirmation proved abortive, but a Reverend of the Catholic Diocese who preferred anonymity confirmed  the story.

Meanwhile, 17 people have also been kidnapped by bandits in three communities in Bassa/Kukoki ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The people were kidnapped Saturday night in Madagwa, Wongo and Marenje communities.

It was learnt that the bandits stormed the town at different times Saturday night.

It was also gathered that five people were abducted from Wongo and Marenje communities while about seven people were abducted from Madagwa.

Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Kokki, confirmed the abduction, saying whereabouts of the victims were yet to be known.

He described the abductions as disheartening and unfortunate, saying “it is unfair that the locals have been left to their fate.

Kokki lamented that kidnappings and other related criminal activities have become the order of the day in the entire Rafi and Shiroro Local Government areas of Niger State.

Also, about 20 other people, who were on their way to Madaka market, were said to have been kidnapped by the bandits from Duguru in Madaka Ward of Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State on Thursday.

Daily Trust