Bandits have shot dead five persons and kidnapped eight others at Kpampo village, near Gulu town in Lapai Council of Niger State.

A resident and relative of one of the abducted victims, Shuaibu Usman, yesterday, confirmed the Tuesday night incident to newsmen.

He said hoodlums, in large numbers, wielding sophisticated weapons, rode into the community on motorcycles on Tuesday at 11:46pm and started shooting sporadically into the air.

Usman said the attackers killed five villagers, who attempted to escape from their homes, adding that eight persons, including two housewives, were whisked away.

He added that four persons also sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in the town.

“As I am talking to you, four people that sustained gunshot injuries are receiving treatment here in Gulu town, ” Usman said.

He also hinted that the bandits also burgled some shops, including pharmacies, and carted away foodstuffs, drugs and wines.