Bandits have killed 17 persons in a mosque attack in MazaKuka village in Mashegu local government area of Niger State.

Another 18 people were said to have been abducted during the attack which happened on Monday morning.

Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, confirmed the attack to newsmen.

Matane said that the State Government has sent a team of military personnel to the forest to fish out bandits hiding there.

The Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Alhassan Isa Maza-Kuka said that the attack was uncalled for especially as the people were in the mosque for prayers.

The MazaKuka and Kulhu communities in Mashegu local government council of Niger state are bordering Kanji Lake Forest where most of the bandits are said to be taking refuge.