Armed group abducts dozens from mosque in Niger state Nigeria

Armed men kidnapped between 60 and 80 people from a mosque in Niger state, Nigeria, on Friday. The attack happened during afternoon prayers. Some worshippers were shot while trying to escape, though authorities say no one was killed. The local area council chairman confirmed that at least 60 people were taken. After the attack, the Nigerian military sent forces to the area and began searching for the missing worshippers. Nigeria's north-central region has suffered many similar attacks over the years. Armed groups and militants have carried out kidnappings there for more than 17 years. The government has responded by increasing military activity and spending more on security, but abductions like this one continue to happen.