Nigeria, April 4 -- At least five residents and three soldiers have been killed in attacks by suspected bandits in Mari and Dina communities in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Several women and children were also abducted during the raid, according to local sources.

Sahara Reporters reported that the attack occurred on Thursday when heavily armed assailants invaded the rural settlements, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Sources who spoke to the newspaper said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, catching residents off guard.

"People ran in different directions when the shooting started. Some were hit while trying to escape. It was chaotic and frightening," on...