A driver named Emeka was killed by alleged kidnappers who seized five passengers travelling from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.
The tragic event happened on Sunday near Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.
Reports indicate that the suspected kidnappers ambushed the Toyota vehicle, with registration number LND 863 YF, shooting Emeka, the driver, before taking four passengers captive.
In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command reported the rescue of 19 passengers who had been abducted en route from Sokoto to Bayelsa.
The passengers, targeted by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, were travelling in a Toyota bus with the registration number LG 08 DGS. They were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State and subsequently taken into a nearby forest.
On Monday, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the incidents in a statement, mentioning that all victims in both cases were safely rescued without injury.
“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.
“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 stated that a combined security tactical team acted quickly, searching through 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.
For the 19 passengers who were kidnapped on the Sokoto-Bayelsa route, Abiodun stated that the combined efforts of security forces put significant pressure on the captors, resulting in the successful rescue of all the 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.
Subsequent actions led to the recovery of the remaining seven victims later that evening, raising the total number of individuals rescued to 19.
“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.
