At least one person was shot dead when rampaging bandits terrorising the middle belt attacked a village in Niger State.

The armed bandits also reportedly abducted 21 other persons during the attack on Dangunu village in Munya Local Government Area of the State

The gunmen invaded the village on Saturday night by boat through the river between Chikun and the town.

A man, Ahmadu Adamu, and 16 members of his family, were said to be among those abducted, a local who was privy to the incident disclosed

The deceased was said to have been beaten to death by the attackers and dumped his body by the river bank.

“Ahmadu Adamu and about 16 members of his family, including his wives and children, were among those kidnapped as well as five other members of the community. They carried them away on boat on the Chikun river.

“The bandits gave Ahmadu a thorough beating leading to his death. A pregnant woman who was released by the bandits due to her condition broke the news to us.

“His body was dumped at the river bank by the gunmen for his family to pick up. What is happening to us is so painful,” a source in the village said

It was further gathered the attack may be connected to the handiwork of informants, as most of the farmers have finished harvesting their crops in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, has not issued a statement regarding the incident