By Laleye Dipo in Minna
16 worshipers were on Wednesday killed by gunmen in Baare village in the Mashegu local government area of Niger state.
The incident is the second in six weeks following the killing of 18 worshipers in Mazakuka in the same local government area.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men, like they did during the first attack, rounded up the early morning worshipers before gunning them down in cold blood.
Several other worshipers were said to have escaped but with gun shot injuries with the injured currently receiving treatment at the Kontagora general hospital where they were rushed to.
It was gathered that many people mostly women and children, were abducted by the bandits.
The police have however confirmed the death of 9 villagers.
State Police Commissioner Mr Monday Bala Kuryas told newsmen in a telephone interview that combined security operatives were on the trail of the bandits adding that they will be apprehended soon.
Kuyars said security agencies in the state will never shy away from their responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Niger residents but called for credible intelligence from the public to succeed.
It will be recalled that the State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello recently set up a commission of inquiry into the Mazakuka massacre and the reprisal that followed it.
The Commission of inquiry has not started its sitting but has asked for submission of memoranda from the public.
