The Niger state government has confirmed the killing of a village head, Usman Garba, and the abduction of three others by suspected terrorists in Mulo community of Mashegu local government area.
According to reports, the terrorists invaded the community on Thursday and abducted four people, including the village head.
But the terrorists reportedly murdered Mr Garba some distance away from the village and left his body.
The state commissioner for Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, confirmed the incident during a security briefing in Minna on Friday.
He said despite the recent setbacks, there has been a significant improvement in the security situation in the state.
He said: “There is improvement in the security situation in the state.
“There has been a reduction in attacks but we are aware that the threat is still there and still exists.
“Of recent, we have seen attacks in the fringes of Mashegu, Mariga, and Kontagora.”
Mr Umar however urged residents to call 0703 196 4389 to report any security threats.