Gunmen have abducted the newly elected vice chairman of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Alhaji Saidu, alongside two councillors in a fresh attack in the area.
The councillors represent Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards.
The abduction reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening along the Kamuya village–Buni Yadi road as the officials were travelling from Biu to Maiduguri.
Also taken during the attack were unidentified passengers travelling in a Hizbah vehicle from Potiskum, Yobe State, to Biu. Sources said one of the abducted councillors is a former vice chairman of Biu LGA.
A politician, who spoke on condition of anonymity, urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted officials and other victims.
The about 120-kilometre stretch linking Biu, Buratai, Kamuya, Buni and Damaturu has remained a security flashpoint, with recurring incidents of killings and abductions reported along the route.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the incident.