A driver simply identified as Emeka was killed by kidnappers who abducted five passengers on a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State, police confirmed.
The unfortunate occurrence took place on Sunday between Kwana-Barau and Kundu villages in Niger State.
The alleged kidnappers reportedly attacked the vehicle, a Toyota with the registration number LND 863 YF, and fatally shot the driver, Emeka, before kidnapping four passengers.
In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command confirmed the successful rescue of 19 people kidnapped while travelling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.
The passengers were kidnapped on November 1, 2024, while travelling in a Toyota Bus with registration number LG 08 DGS.
They were apprehended along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State and taken into a nearby bush.
Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the incidences in a statement on Monday, saying that both victims were rescued unharmed.
“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 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.
Speaking on 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 led to 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.
