Two first class traditional rulers in the troubled Borno State, North-East Nigeria, have been kidnapped by Boko Haram.

A report by PREMIUM TIMES identified the victims as the Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza, and the Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta.

“The two emirs were seized by gun-wielding insurgents at 10a.m Friday near Shaffa while they were travelling to Gombe to attend the funeral of the Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who died on Tuesday evening at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer,” the paper said.

“The two abducted emirs were elevated to First Class traditional ruler status only in January.

The Borno state government is yet to issue an official statement on the abduction,” it added.

•Photo shows Boko Haram fighters.