Some 160 villagers reported taken in deadly raid in Nigeria

Mr Najume , who chairs the Council of the Munya Local Government Area, said the Kurchi community had been left traumatised and anxious to hear news of those taken.

Writing on social media, external, Amnesty International expressed its “deep concern” at the mass abduction.

“The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives,” it said.

“Since 2021 gunmen have been consistently attacking Kuchi village and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes.

“From time to time, the gunmen demand millions of Naira as ransom from the people to avoid being kidnapped.

“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to end these spate of abductions and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. Frequent mass abductions and killings are clear evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.”