Driver killed as police rescue 23 kidnap victims in Niger
A driver identified as Emeka was killed by suspected kidnappers who abducted five passengers on a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.
The suspected kidnappers reportedly attacked the vehicle, a Toyota with registration number LND 863 YF, and fatally shot Emeka, the driver, before abducting four passengers.
In a related operation, the Niger State Police Command announced the rescue of 19 passengers who had been kidnapped while travelling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.
The passengers, who were attacked by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, were in a Toyota Bus with registration number LG 08 DGS when they were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State and taken into a nearby forest.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incidents in a statement on Monday, noting that the victims in both cases were rescued unhurt.
“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 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.
