Eyewitnesses said the gunmen attacked Kajuru Station late on Sunday night. They also raided shops and stole food.

Kaduna's police spokesperson confirmed the incident to the BBC but did not say how many people had been taken. Residents have put the figure at more than 80.

This latest incident comes two days after about 15 people were abducted in the same area.

Earlier this month, more than 280 students were taken from the town of Kuriga, also in Kaduna state.

Last week, authorities said they would not pay a ransom for their release.
President Bola Tinubu’s assurances that he would empower the armed forces to tackle crime have come under close scrutiny following the recent wave of abductions.