police
The incidents were said to have occurred on Thursday and Friday.
Criminals have been taking advantage of the bad state of the road to attack motorists, including military checkpoints, leading to significant losses by traders and commercial vehicle owners.
The insurgents have frequently stolen goods from vehicles travelling along the route.
Ali Abubakar, a commercial driver, said that the deteriorating condition of the road exacerbated the situation, making it easier for the insurgents to ambush vehicles.
He recounted an attack last Thursday between Mafa and Dikwa where two people were killed and their vehicles burnt after being looted.
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Mafa confirmed that seven people, including the driver of a Desert Land Rover were abducted by insurgents on Friday between Ajiri and Dikwa.
He added that their whereabouts remained unknown, but that efforts were ongoing to trace and rescue them.
The police has not commented on the incidents.
