Bandits on Thursday night blocked the Kontagora-Tegina road in Niger State and shot two passengers.
The driver was reported to have maneuvered his way out, preventing them from causing further harm or abducting passengers.
It was learnt that the armed men chased the vehicle and opened fire, injuring two of the passengers who sat on the front seat.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said, “The Niger State Police Command wishes to clarify this incident that about 12:15am (Thursday night), suspected armed men attempted to block a commercial vehicle with Reg. No MAK 238 XA at Tudun-Fulani, along Kontagora-Tegina road, in the course of this, the driver of the vehicle manoeuvred and zoomed off, leading to the hoodlums firing the vehicle.
“Two passengers; one Zakari Benjamin and Samaila who were in the front seat sustained gunshot injuries on their legs,” he said.
He disclosed further that police operatives from ‘A’ Division Kontagora rushed in and the victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He said police tactical teams and other security agencies were mobilised to the scene, while the hoodlums escaped to the forest, while drivers were advised to avoid late-night journeys.