Police rescue 23 kidnapped passengers in Niger State

Police rescue 23 kidnapped passengers in Niger State

Suspected kidnappers have killed a driver identified as Emeka during an attack on a vehicle taking passengers from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

Although the attackers abducted five other passengers of the vehicle, the security operatives moved fast to rescue four of them.

In a separate development, the Niger State Police Command has rescued 19 passengers along the Tegina-Zungeru road.

These people were travelling from Sokoto to Bayelsa in a Toyota bus when they were intercepted by kidnappers on November 1 and taken into a nearby forest.

Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police, confirmed both incidents, assuring the public that all 19 rescued victims were unharmed.

The police have intensified efforts to locate other kidnapped passengers and ensure the kidnappers are apprehended.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

READ ALSO:

• Equatorial Guinea scandal: Woman allegedly takes her own life after sex tape appears online

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

He explained that a joint security tactical team responded swiftly, combing the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.

“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.

In the case of the 19 passengers abducted from the Sokoto-Bayelsa journey, Abiodun said that intense pressure by the joint security forces led to the safe rescue of all passengers.

“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he added.

Further operations saw the rescue of the remaining seven victims later that evening, bringing the total number rescued to 19.

“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.

 

Police rescue 23 kidnapped passengers in Niger State