Gunmen kidnap vet doctor, 3 children in FCT border community as troops kill insurgent

Armed men have abducted a veterinary doctor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, alongside his three children in Kungabokun, a remote settlement on the boundary between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported the incident on Friday, noting that it occurred late Wednesday night at about 11:45 p.m.

Sources explained that the attackers forced their way into the victim’s home through a window before taking him and his children away to an undisclosed location.

“On receipt of the report, police operatives from Byazhin Division, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and local vigilantes were immediately mobilised to the scene. The team is currently combing the surrounding bushes and hills with the aim of rescuing the victims and apprehending the suspects,” sources said.

The sources further disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has already opened investigations, assuring the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have freed two hostages and eliminated a Boko Haram fighter during a clearance operation in Borno State.

According to Zagazola, the October 1 operation was carried out by troops of the 222 Battalion (Main) with the support of volunteer forces on motorcycles in the villages of Mittiri, Loskuri, Tamsu Ngamdu, and Wonori.

During the encounter, one insurgent was killed, the hostages were safely rescued, and a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists was recovered.