Read < 1 minute

Gunmen in Nigeria attacked the town of Kasuwa-Daji in the northwestern state of Zamfara State on Tuesday. Four people, including two policemen, were killed.  Police say at least 40 other people were kidnapped.

Residents say the gunmen began their assault at the local police station before heading into town, shooting sporadically at citizens and storming into homes.

Hamisu Kasuwa Daji, who heads the town’s transport union, told Reuters his son and two grandchildren were taken by the attackers.

“Then they proceeded to my house, by which time I had already fled. After I returned home later, I realised they had taken my son and two grandsons,” he said.

Police deployed reinforcements and are working with other security agencies to rescue the abducted individuals.

The attack is part of a series of assaults by armed groups in the volatile northwest region.

 

(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)