Harry Archie
Suspected bandits have released a video showing a large group of people being held captive by armed men in a forest.
The video emerged two days after gunmen reportedly abducted more than 600 worshippers during Friday prayers at a mosque in Dekera village, Niger State.
Residents said the gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on several communities and took many people away.
In the video, which has been widely shared on Facebook and WhatsApp, several children were seen crying while surrounded by armed men.
One of the gunmen, speaking in Hausa, addressed the families of the victims and asked them to identify their relatives among those being held captive.
“These are all your people,” the gunman said.
The incident comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
