Nigeria, Dec. 21 -- Suspected gunmen have again struck in Niger State, abducting a woman during a midnight raid on Ebbo community in Lapai Local Government Area, heightening security concerns among residents.

Residents said the heavily armed assailants invaded the community late Sunday night, firing sporadically into the air for nearly an hour to instil fear and force people indoors before carrying out the abduction.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the prolonged gunfire caused widespread panic, leaving the usually busy community deserted as no one dared to step outside.

"They came around midnight and kept shooting into the air for about an hour. Nobody could come out. They kidnapped a woman named Precious, the wif...