Driver killed as police rescue 23 abducted victims in Niger

In a tragic incident on Sunday, a driver identified as Emeka was killed by suspected kidnappers during an attack on a vehicle transporting passengers from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

The attack has left communities in shock as authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a separate kidnapping incident, the Niger State Police Command successfully rescued 19 passengers along the Tegina-Zungeru road.

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

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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.

“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.